this is the company - annual report · 2016. 9. 28. · this is avon. the company, that for 125...
TRANSCRIPT
this is the company that puts mascara on lashes
and food on tables, that fights wrinkles with one hand and Breast Cancer
with the other. That knows the value of a perfect lip, but still opens its mouth
and speaks out against Domestic Violence and for women’s financial
independence. This is the company that not only brings beauty to doors,
but also opens them. The company that supports 6 million Representatives
in over 100 countries. This is Avon. The company, that for 125 years, has
stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and above all for women.
annual report 2009
this is the company
for women
In 1886 a visionary entrepreneur named David H. McConnellhad the extraordinary idea to found a business based on the premiseof giving women an opportunity to earn money outside of the homeand build financial independence. This was 34 years before womenin the U.S. had even won the right to vote. But there is no stopping agreat idea. From one Representative to now over six million…from oneproduct to thousands…from one country to now over 100 across theglobe, for 124 years the company has grown and prospered.
Dear Shareholders,
As I write this letter on the eve of Avon’s 125th anniversary nextyear, I find myself reflecting on our company’s extraordinaryjourney. Through two world wars, through the great Depression,through dramatic periods of economic change and upheaval,Avon has survived and thrived by serving the needs of each newgeneration of women and staying true to our founding principleto be the company that makes a difference in women’s lives.
2009 was an important milestone along our journey. With the world in the gripof one of the greatest economic crises in history, people everywhere werewondering how they would make it through the storm. But where others saw onlychallenge, Avon saw an opportunity to grow our Representative and consumerbase by once again providing solutions for women and being the answer whenthey needed us the most.
So as the world mobilized in response to the crisis, Avon mobilized as well. Wealigned our entire organization around a comprehensive recession playbook tohelp us aggressively capture market share and emerge from one of the mostchallenging years in memory even better positioned for sustainable profitablegrowth. Our recession playbook had four components:
• Attract new Representatives with the most massive recruiting campaign inAvon’s history;
• Attract new consumers with the smart value of Avon’s products;
• Take aggressive cost actions to counter significant negative currencyheadwinds; and
• Stay the course on the four-point sustainable profitable growth plan launchedin 2005 which remains our long-term roadmap for the future.
2009 Annual Report
0394_Narr 1
This is the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on tables,This is the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on tables,
0394_Narr 2
Launching the Most Massive RecruitingCampaign in Avon’s HistoryActive Representative growth is a leading indicator of future revenue growth,so the cornerstone of our recession playbook was the launch of the mostmassive recruiting campaign in Avon’s history. As jobs were being lost by themillions across the globe, our goal was to proudly present the power of Avon’sEarning Opportunity — the largest economic engine for women on earth. AvonRepresentatives collectively earn an estimated $6 billion each year. Women usetheir Avon earnings to support their family, pay the mortgage, put their childrenthrough school, fund their retirement or simply to afford the extra luxuries thatcan make life more rewarding.
To tell our story, we doubled our investment in recruiting advertising, more thandoubled the number of countries where we ran these recruiting ads and tappedreal Representatives from around the world to be featured in the campaign. Weparticipated in opportunity fairs and took our campaign online with targeteddigital advertising to ensure that anyone searching for an earnings opportunitywould hear about Avon. In addition, we mounted the largest public relationscampaign in our history, working with journalists around the world to profilesuccessful Avon Representatives in magazines and newspapers, on television,on the radio and online.
All these efforts paid off in attracting a record number of new Representatives toAvon. This in turn resulted in 9% active Representative growth for the full year —the highest growth rate in five years — with gains climbing to the double digits inthe second through fourth quarters as our recruiting efforts took hold. Importantly,active Representatives grew in each of our six commercial business units.
Attracting New Customers With SmartValue ProductsIn addition to attracting new Representatives, we also reached out to ourhundreds of millions of consumers across the globe with clear messages in ourbrochure about our “smart value” products. Avon has served women for almost125 years with an unyielding commitment to world-class products at prices thatreflect our belief that beauty should be affordable and accessible to everyone.
We have always offered beauty products in a range of price tiers to meet a varietyof consumer needs. However, when the economic crisis set in, we moved rapidlyto reset our store, ensuring we flowed an appropriate number of units in the under$5 value tier, while continuing to protect our mass and masstige offerings. Weintroduced Beauty on a Budget flyers and sections within our brochure, supportedby special offers highlighting Avon’s unique value. We also featured creativeexecutions promoting the ease and convenience of our shopping experience.
2009 Annual Report
0394_Narr 3
that fi ghts wrinkles with one hand and Breast Cancer with the other.that fi ghts wrinkles with one hand and Breast Cancer with the other.
0394_Narr 4
This smart value strategy yielded strong results. Following a decline in Beautyunits in fourth quarter 2008, we restored growth in the first half of the year andaccelerated momentum in the second half, delivering full-year Beauty unit growthof 4%. These unit gains were balanced by a strong full-year net per unit gain of3% as we were able to maintain our pricing advantage while also attracting newconsumers to our store.
Taking Aggressive Cost ActionsThe third leg of our recession playbook was our commitment to take aggressivecost actions to counter the significant currency headwinds we were facing.Avon’s geographic portfolio spans the globe with approximately 80% of ourrevenue coming from outside the United States. The breadth of our geographicportfolio is a source of unique strategic advantage. However, when the economiccrisis hit, the dollar strengthened rapidly versus foreign currencies. This meantthat even though we were delivering exceptionally strong performances in localcurrencies around the world and gaining market share against the competition,we were generating lower sales after translation into dollars. Exchange rates werealso negatively impacting our supply chain costs. All told, we faced a potentialnegative currency impact of almost $1 billion dollars to revenue and nearly $400million to operating profit as the year began.
We quickly moved to confront this situation. We held the line on strategic pricingfor our most innovative products. We strengthened manufacturing productivity.We pursued favorable raw material and production sourcing and deliveredahead of plan against our global Strategic Sourcing Initiative targets. We alsofroze salaries across the organization for one year and doubled-down on ourcommitment to reduce administrative and overhead expenses. This helped usdeliver zero overhead growth.
In addition, we launched a new restructuring program in February 2009.Combined with our original 2005 restructuring program, as well as ProductLine Simplification and our Strategic Sourcing Initiative, we expect total annualsavings and benefits from all our cost transformation programs to be in excess of$1 billion by 2013. These savings and benefits will enable us to continue to fundgrowth and increase our profitability.
Staying the Course on our SustainableGrowth PlanSo as 2009 began, we moved quickly on all fronts to outrun the economic crisis.Underpinning our confidence that we were well-positioned for success was thesignificant progress we have made with the implementation of our four-pointsustainable growth plan. First launched in 2005, this plan has remained ourongoing strategic roadmap. As a result, Avon is fundamentally a much strongerbusiness today.
2009 Annual Report
0394_Narr 5
That knows the value of a perfect lip, but still opens its mouth and speaks out against Domestic Violence
and for women’s financial independence.
That knows the value of a perfect lip, but still opens its mouth and speaks out against Domestic Violence
and for women’s financial independence.
0394_Narr 6
• We have a stronger brand.Avon’s iconic brand has 90% awareness across the globe and we sell fourlipsticks every single second of the day. To maintain our advantage, we haveelevated our focus on innovation and sustained our advertising investment atalmost triple the rate of 2005, even in the face of macroeconomic challenges.With Reese Witherspoon continuing in her role as Avon’s Global BrandAmbassador, we have repackaged and relaunched our flagship Avon Colorbrand. We have attracted new celebrity partners to our fragrance franchise,including Courteney Cox, Fergie, and Zoë Saldana. We have continued toinnovate in our Anew skincare brand, which remains the number one anti-aging skincare brand in the world. And in personal care, we have expandedour Advance Techniques hair care brand with the introduction of a new haircolor line which launched initially in Latin America in 2009.
• We have a stronger channel.Since 2005 we have incrementally invested more than $250 million to improveRepresentative earnings and make it easier to do business with Avon. AvonSales Leadership — through which Representatives earn by both selling andrecruiting — has been rolled out to approximately 50 countries worldwide.We have also launched our global Internet platform to help Representativesmanage their business online. In 2010 we will continue to add new functionalitywith the introduction of our eSales Suite, including our new eBrochure andeMobile ordering capability, so that ordering Avon is only a click awayanywhere, anytime. In addition, we will begin the global rollout of AvonLeadership Manager, a new tool that allows Avon Sales Leaders to track theperformance of their business units in real time.
• We have stronger cost management.With our restructuring and cost transformation programs delivering well aheadof initial expectations, and a constant turnaround mentality now fully embeddedin our organization, we have laid the groundwork for operating marginimprovement in 2010, with the goal of improving operating margin to the mid-teens level by 2013. We have no plans to conduct any additional restructuringprograms beyond the ongoing 2005 and 2009 programs. As we continue totransform the business, we will do so as part of ordinary operations.
• We have a stronger organization.The company has made significant progress in its evolution from a confederationof local businesses to a fully integrated matrix of global and commercialbusiness units. We effectively leverage our global strength in marketing, salesand supply chain, while also remaining flexible and responsive to our localconsumers and Representatives. Four years ago we also began measuringemployee engagement and holding our managers accountable for theirscores. Since then, engagement has increased an exceptional 11 points,including a four point increase in 2009, bringing Avon’s employee engagementto 71%, which we believe is considered world-class.
2009 Annual Report
0394_Narr 7
This is the company that not only brings beautyto doors, but also opens them.The company that supports
6 million Representatives in over 100 countries.
This is the company that not only brings beautyto doors, but also opens them.The company that supports
6 million Representatives in over 100 countries.
0394_Narr 8
Becoming a Stronger CompanyWith progress across so many dimensions, there is no doubt that in a very highlychallenging year — a year when many other companies retrenched and manybusinesses failed — Avon captured significant market share.
On a reported basis, our revenue results reflected the negative impact of foreigncurrency exchange, with overall revenue declining 3%. However, when you excludethe impact of currency exchange, revenue in local currency increased 6%. Thisrepresented one of the strongest performances in our sector. Following a low mid-single digit increase in the fi rst quarter, local currency revenue growth acceleratedsequentially throughout the year, culminating in an exceptional fourth quarterincrease in the high single digits as we ended the year with exciting momentum.For the full year, we saw strong local currency performances across 70% of ourgeographic portfolio and we outran the GDP in eight of our top ten markets.
Overall revenue growth was fueled by a strong performance in Beauty. Althoughon a reported basis Beauty revenue declined 3% as a result of the negative impactof currency exchange, in local currency full-year Beauty revenue grew 7% withaccelerating momentum throughout the year. Very proudly we outperformed someof our leading beauty competitors and gained significant beauty market share.
Unfavorable foreign exchange, combined with the costs to implement ourrestructuring plans, negatively impacted our full-year operating margin of 9.8%and earnings per share of $1.45. We ended the year with an eight-day reductionin inventory (excluding the impact of currency exchange). We reduced ournet debt (total debt less cash) by almost $250 million and ended the year withapproximately $1.3 billion in cash. In February of this year, Avon’s Board ofDirectors declared a 5% increase in our dividend, the 20th consecutive year ofdividend increases for our shareholders.
A Stronger PurposeSo we enter 2010 well-positioned for sustainable long-term growth. As more andmore Representatives discover the power of the Avon Earning Opportunity, ourgoal is to retain them and increase their productivity by continuing to innovateour business model. We will leverage technology and the viral power of theInternet to build communities that connect Avon to our Representatives and ourRepresentatives to their Customers. With more and more consumers discoveringthe smart value of Avon’s store, we will broaden our shopping opportunity withnew product categories that reinforce our beauty image and strengthen ourCustomer relationships.
2009 Annual Report
An explanation of local currency which we also refer toas constant dollars is provided on page 23 of this report.
0394_Narr 9
This is Avon.
The company,
that for 125 years,
has stood for beauty,
innovation, optimism
and above all
forWomen.forWomen.
0394_Narr 10
As we implement these strategies, we will continue to be guided by our uniqueand compelling mission to serve women. This commitment goes well beyondthe fundamentals of our business model and is reflected in our leadership insocial responsibility. The Avon Foundation for Women is the world’s largestcorporate philanthropy for women, having raised and awarded $725 million forthe causes women have told us they care about most. We are leaders in thefights against breast cancer and domestic violence. We rank high on the listof the most environmentally responsible companies. And when disaster strikes,whether floods, earthquakes or even the terrorist attack of 9/11, Avon is there tosupport women and families. Most recently we were proud to donate more than$1 million to support the people of Haiti.
In closing, I want to acknowledge all those who have supported us on ourextraordinary journey, never more so than during the challenges of 2009. I want tothank our six million Avon Representatives and more than 40,000 Avon Associatesfor their dedication and commitment to our company. I want to recognize Avon’soutstanding Board of Directors for their invaluable guidance and counsel. Inparticular, I would like to honor and thank Edward T. Fogarty, who is retiring thisyear after 15 years of outstanding board service. And, very importantly, I wantto thank you, the Avon shareholder, for having confidence in our managementteam and supporting us as we have taken the bold but necessary steps to setAvon on the road to long-term sustainable profitable growth.
On the eve of the incredible milestone of Avon’s 125th anniversary, I promise thatwe will rededicate ourselves to this destination. We will reaffirm our belief in theexceptional opportunities ahead. And most importantly, we will recommit to theunique purpose on which Avon was founded, and which continues to distinguishus as a beacon of hope and opportunity for women around the world.
This is the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on tables, that fi ghtswrinkles with one hand and Breast Cancer with the other. That knows the value ofa perfect lip, but still opens its mouth and speaks out against Domestic Violenceand for women’s financial independence. This is the company that not onlybrings beauty to doors, but also opens them. The company that supports 6 millionRepresentatives in over one hundred countries. This is Avon. The company, that for125 years, has stood for beauty, innovation, optimism and above all for women.
Andrea JungChairman and Chief Executive Officer
March 2010
2009 Annual Report
0394_Narr 11
0394_Narr 12
UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549---------------------------------------------------------------
FORM 10-KÈ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
‘ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-4881
AVON PRODUCTS, INC.---------------------------------------------------------------(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 13-0544597--------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction ofincorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification No.)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10105-0196(Address of principal executive offices)
(212) 282-5000(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each className of each exchange on
which registered------------------------------------------------------------------
Common stock (par value $.25) New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.Yes È No ‘Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.Yes ‘ No ÈIndicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was requiredto file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes È No ‘Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, everyInteractive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter)during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes È No ‘Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, andwill not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated byreference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.‘Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or asmaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reportingcompany” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.Large accelerated filer È Accelerated filer ‘Non-accelerated filer ‘ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company ‘Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).Yes ‘ No ÈThe aggregate market value of voting and non-voting Common Stock (par value $.25) held by non-affiliates at June 30, 2009(the last business day of our most recently completed second quarter) was $11.0 billion.
The number of shares of Common Stock (par value $.25) outstanding at January 31, 2010, was 427,495,268.
Documents Incorporated by ReferencePart III – Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Table of ContentsPart I
3 – 7Item 1 Business
7 – 14Item 1A Risk Factors
14Item 1B Unresolved StaffComments
14 – 15Item 2 Properties
15Item 3 Legal Proceedings
15Item 4 Submission of Mattersto a Vote of Security Holders
Part II
16 – 17Item 5 Market for Registrant’sCommon Equity, RelatedStockholder Matters andIssuer Purchases of EquitySecurities
18Item 6 Selected FinancialData
19 – 36Item 7 Management’sDiscussion and Analysis ofFinancial Condition andResults of Operations
36 – 37Item 7A Quantitative andQualitative DisclosuresAbout Market Risk
37Item 8 Financial Statementsand Supplementary Data
37Item 9 Changes in andDisagreements withAccountants on Accountingand Financial Disclosure
38 – 39Item 9A Controls andProcedures
39Item 9B Other Information
Part III
40Item 10 Directors, ExecutiveOfficers and CorporateGovernance
40Item 11 ExecutiveCompensation
40Item 12 Security Ownershipof Certain Beneficial Ownersand Management andRelated Stockholder Matters
40Item 13 Certain Relationshipsand Related Transactions, andDirector Independence
40Item 14 Principal AccountantFees and Services
Part IV
41Item 15 Exhibits and FinancialStatement Schedule
4115 (a) 1 ConsolidatedFinancial Statements
4115 (a) 2 Financial StatementSchedule
41 – 4415 (a) 3 Index to Exhibits
45 – 46Signatures
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR”
STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM
ACT OF 1995
Statements in this report that are not historical facts or informa-
tion are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as
“estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” “believe,” “may,”
“expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential,” “can,”
“expectation” and similar expressions, or the negative of those
expressions, may identify forward-looking statements. Such
forward-looking statements are based on management’s reason-
able current assumptions and expectations. Such forward-looking
statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which
may cause the actual results, levels of activity, performance or
achievement of Avon to be materially different from any future
results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements,
and there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ
materially from management’s expectations. Such factors include,
among others, the following:
• our ability to implement the key initiatives of, and realize the
gross and operating margins and projected benefits (in the
amounts and time schedules we expect) from, our global
business strategy, including our multi-year restructuring
initiatives, product mix and pricing strategies, enterprise
resource planning, customer service initiatives, product line
simplification program, sales and operation planning process,
strategic sourcing initiative, outsourcing strategies, zero-overhead-
growth philosophy, Internet platform and technology strategies,
cash flow from operations and cash management, tax,
foreign currency hedging and risk management strategies;
• our ability to realize the anticipated benefits (including any
projections concerning future revenue and operating margin
increases) from our multi-year restructuring initiatives or other
strategic initiatives on the time schedules or in the amounts
that we expect, and our plans to invest these anticipated
benefits ahead of future growth;
• the possibility of business disruption in connection with our
multi-year restructuring initiatives or other strategic initiatives;
• our ability to realize sustainable growth from our investments
in our brand and the direct-selling channel;
• a general economic downturn, a recession globally or in one
or more of our geographic regions, such as North America, or
sudden disruption in business conditions, and the ability of our
broad-based geographic portfolio to withstand such economic
downturn, recession or conditions;
• the effect of political, legal, tax and regulatory risks imposed
on us, our operations or our Representatives, including foreign
exchange or other restrictions, interpretation and enforcement
of foreign laws including any changes thereto, as well as
reviews and investigations by government regulators that have
occurred or may occur from time to time, including, for exam-
ple, local regulatory scrutiny in China;
• the inventory obsolescence and other costs associated with
our product line simplification program;
• our ability to effectively implement initiatives to reduce inven-
tory levels in the time period and in the amounts we expect;
• our ability to achieve growth objectives or maintain rates of
growth, particularly in our largest markets and developing and
emerging markets, such as Brazil;
• our ability to successfully identify new business opportunities
and identify and analyze acquisition candidates, and our
ability to negotiate and consummate acquisitions as well as to
successfully integrate or manage any acquired business;
• the effect of economic factors, including inflation and fluctua-
tions in interest rates and currency exchange rates, as well as
the designation of Venezuela as a highly inflationary economy,
and the potential effect of such factors on our business, results
of operations and financial condition;
• our ability to successfully transition and evolve our business in
China in connection with the development and evolution of
the direct-selling business in that market, our ability to operate
using a direct-selling model permitted in that market and our
ability to retain and increase the number of Active Representa-
tives there over a sustained period of time;
• general economic and business conditions in our markets,
including social, economic and political uncertainties in the
international markets in our portfolio;
• any consequences of internal investigations and compliance
reviews that we conduct, including the ongoing investigation
and compliance reviews of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and
related U.S. and foreign law matters in China and additional
countries, as well as any business disruption resulting from
such investigations, reviews or related actions;
• information technology systems outages, disruption in our
supply chain or manufacturing and distribution operations,
or other sudden disruption in business operations beyond
our control as a result of events such as acts of terrorism or
war, natural disasters, pandemic situations and large scale
power outages;
• the risk of product or ingredient shortages resulting from our
concentration of sourcing in fewer suppliers;
• the quality, safety and efficacy of our products;
• the success of our research and development activities;
• our ability to attract and retain key personnel and executives;
• competitive uncertainties in our markets, including competi-
tion from companies in the cosmetics, fragrances, skin care
and toiletries industry, some of which are larger than we are
and have greater resources;
• our ability to implement our Sales Leadership program glob-
ally, to generate Representative activity, to increase the
number of consumers served per Representative and their
engagement online, to enhance the Representative and con-
sumer experience and increase Representative productivity
A V O N 2009 1
through investments in the direct-selling channel, and to
compete with other direct-selling organizations to recruit,
retain and service Representatives;
• the impact of the seasonal nature of our business, adverse
effect of rising energy, commodity and raw material prices,
changes in market trends, purchasing habits of our consumers
and changes in consumer preferences, particularly given the
global nature of our business and the conduct of our business
in primarily one channel;
• our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;
• the risk of an adverse outcome in our material pending and
future litigations;
• our ratings and our access to financing and ability to secure
financing at attractive rates; and
• the impact of possible pension funding obligations, increased
pension expense and any changes in pension regulations or
interpretations thereof on our cash flow and results of operations.
We undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking
statements.
PART I
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
When used in this report, the terms “Avon,” “Company,” “we,”
“our” or “us” mean, unless the context otherwise indicates, Avon
Products, Inc. and its majority and wholly owned subsidiaries.
GeneralWe are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and
related products. We commenced operations in 1886 and were
incorporated in the State of New York on January 27, 1916. We
conduct our business in the highly competitive beauty industry
and compete against other consumer packaged goods (“CPG”)
and direct-selling companies to create, manufacture and market
beauty and non-beauty-related products. Our product categories
are Beauty, Fashion and Home. Beauty consists of color cos-
metics, fragrances, skin care and personal care. Fashion consists
of fashion jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear and accessories.
Home consists of gift and decorative products, housewares,
entertainment and leisure products and children’s and nutritional
products. Sales from Health and Wellness products and mark.,
a global cosmetics brand that focuses on the market for young
women, are included among these three categories based on
product type.
Unlike most of our CPG competitors, which sell their products
through third-party retail establishments (e.g., drug stores,
department stores), our business is conducted worldwide primar-
ily in one channel, direct selling. Our reportable segments are
based on geographic operations in six regions: Latin America;
North America; Central & Eastern Europe; Western Europe,
Middle East & Africa; Asia Pacific; and China. We have centralized
operations for Global Brand Marketing, Global Sales and Supply
Chain. Financial information relating to our reportable segments
is included in the “Segment Review” section within Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, which we refer to in this report as “MD&A”, on
pages 28 through 33 of this 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K,
which we refer to in this report as our “2009 Annual Report”,
and in Note 12, Segment Information, on pages F-27 through
F-29 of our 2009 Annual Report. Information about geographic
areas is included in Note 12, Segment Information, on pages
F-27 through F-29 of our 2009 Annual Report.
Strategic InitiativesIn November 2005, we launched a comprehensive, multi-year
turnaround plan to restore sustainable growth. Our four-point
turnaround plan includes:
• Committing to brand competitiveness by focusing research
and development resources on product innovation and by
increasing our advertising;
• Winning with commercial edge by more effectively utilizing
pricing and promotion, expanding our Sales Leadership pro-
gram and improving the attractiveness of our Representative
earnings opportunity as needed;
• Elevating organizational effectiveness by redesigning our struc-
ture to eliminate layers of management in order to take full
advantage of our global scale and size; and
• Transforming the cost structure so that our costs are aligned
to our revenue growth and remain so.
Over the past four years, we have been implementing our turn-
around plan through various strategic initiatives, including our
2005 and 2009 Restructuring Programs, product line simplifi-
cation program (“PLS”), strategic sourcing initiative (“SSI”) and
investments in advertising and our Representatives. Additional
information regarding our strategic initiatives is included in the
“Overview” and “Strategic Initiatives” sections within MD&A on
pages 19 through 22 and additional information regarding our
inventory is included in the “Provisions for Inventory Obsolescence”
and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections within MD&A on
pages 24 and 33 through 36 of our 2009 Annual Report.
DistributionWe presently have sales operations in 65 countries and terri-
tories, including the U.S., and distribute our products in 40
more. Unlike most of our competitors, which sell their products
through third party retail establishments (i.e. drug stores,
department stores), we primarily sell our products to the ultimate
consumer through the direct-selling channel. In our case, sales of
our products are made to the ultimate consumer principally
through direct selling by approximately 6.2 million active
independent Representatives. Representatives are independent
contractors and not our employees. Representatives earn a profit
by purchasing products directly from us at a discount from a
published brochure price and selling them to their customers,
the ultimate consumer of our products. We generally have no
arrangements with end users of our products beyond the Repre-
sentative, except as described below. No single Representative
accounts for more than 10% of our net sales.
A V O N 2009 3
PART I
A Representative contacts customers directly, selling primarily
through our brochure, which highlights new products and
special promotions for each sales campaign. In this sense, the
Representative, together with the brochure, are the “store”
through which our products are sold. A brochure introducing a
new sales campaign is usually generated every two weeks in the
U.S. and every two to four weeks for most markets outside the U.S.
Generally, the Representative forwards an order for a campaign
to us using the mail, the Internet, telephone, or fax. This order is
processed and the products are assembled at a distribution cen-
ter and delivered to the Representative usually through a combi-
nation of local and national delivery companies. Generally, the
Representative then delivers the merchandise and collects pay-
ment from the customer for his or her own account. A Repre-
sentative generally receives a refund of the full price the
Representative paid for a product if the Representative chooses
to return it.
We employ certain electronic order systems to increase Repre-
sentative support, which allow a Representative to run her or his
business more efficiently and also allow us to improve our order-
processing accuracy. For example, in many countries, Represen-
tatives can utilize the Internet to manage their business electron-
ically, including order submission, order tracking, payment and
two-way communications with us. In addition Representatives
can further build their own business through personalized web
pages provided by us, enabling them to sell a complete line of
our products online. Self-paced online training also is available in
certain markets, as well as up-to-the-minute news about us.
In the U.S. and selected other markets, we also market our
products through consumer websites (www.avon.com in the
U.S.). These sites provide a purchasing opportunity to consumers
who choose not to purchase through a Representative.
In some markets, we use decentralized branches, satellite stores
and independent retail operations to serve Representatives and
other customers. Representatives come to a branch to place and
pick up product orders for their customers. The branches also
create visibility for us with consumers and help reinforce our
beauty image. In certain markets, we provide opportunities to
license our beauty centers and other retail-oriented opportunities
to reach new customers in complementary ways to direct selling.
The recruiting or appointing and training of Representatives are
the primary responsibilities of district sales managers and zone
managers. Depending on the market and the responsibilities of
the role, some of these individuals are our employees and some
are independent contractors. Those who are employees are paid
a salary and an incentive based primarily on the achievement of
a sales objective in their district. Those who are independent
contractors are rewarded primarily based on total sales achieved
in their zones or downlines. Personal contacts, including recom-
mendations from current Representatives (including the Sales
Leadership program), and local market advertising constitute the
primary means of obtaining new Representatives. The Sales
Leadership program is a multi-level compensation program which
gives Representatives, known as Sales Leadership Representatives,
the opportunity to earn bonuses based on the net sales made by
Representatives they have recruited and trained in addition to
discounts earned on their own sales of our products. This program
limits the number of levels on which commissions can be earned
to three and continues to focus on individual product sales by
Sales Leadership Representatives. The primary responsibilities of
Sales Leadership Representatives are the prospecting, appointing,
training and development of their down-line Representatives
while maintaining a certain level of their own sales. Development
of the Sales Leadership program throughout the world is one
part of our long-term growth strategy. As described above, the
Representative is the “store” through which we primarily sell our
products and given the high rate of turnover among Representa-
tives (a common characteristic of direct selling), it is critical that
we recruit, retain and service Representatives on a continuing
basis in order to maintain and grow our business. As part of our
multi-year turnaround plan, we have initiatives underway to
standardize global processes for prospecting, appointing, training
and developing Representatives, as well as training and developing
our direct-selling executives.
One of our key strategies to recruit and retain Representatives is
to improve the reward and effort equation for our Representatives
(Representative Value Proposition or “RVP”). We have allocated
significant incremental investment to grow our Representative base,
to increase the frequency with which the Representatives order
and the size of the order. We have also undertaken extensive
research to determine the pay back on specific advertising, field
tools and other actions and the optimal balance of these tools and
actions in key markets. In addition to a research and marketing
intelligence staff, we have employed both internal and external
statisticians to develop proprietary, fact-based regression analyses
using our vast product and sales history.
From time to time, local governments and others question the
legal status of Representatives or impose burdens inconsistent
with their status as independent contractors, often in regard to
possible coverage under social benefit laws that would require
us (and, in most instances, the Representatives) to make regular
contributions to government social benefit funds. Although
we have generally been able to address these questions in a
satisfactory manner, these questions can be raised again following
regulatory changes in a jurisdiction or can be raised in additional
jurisdictions. If there should be a final determination adverse to
us in a country, the cost for future, and possibly past, contributions
could be so substantial in the context of the volume and
profitability of our business in that country that we would
consider discontinuing operations in that country.
Promotion and MarketingSales promotion and sales development activities are directed at
assisting Representatives, through sales aids such as brochures,
product samples and demonstration products. In order to support
the efforts of Representatives to reach new customers, specially
designed sales aids, promotional pieces, customer flyers, tele-
vision and print advertising are used. In addition, we seek to
motivate our Representatives through the use of special incentive
programs that reward superior sales performance. We have made
significant investments to understand the financial return of such
field incentives. Periodic sales meetings with Representatives are
conducted by the district sales or zone managers. The meetings
are designed to keep Representatives abreast of product line
changes, explain sales techniques and provide recognition for
sales performance.
A number of merchandising techniques are used, including the
introduction of new products, the use of combination offers, the
use of trial sizes and samples, and the promotion of products
packaged as gift items. In general, for each sales campaign, a
distinctive brochure is published, in which new products are
introduced and selected items are offered as special promotions
or are given particular prominence in the brochure. A key current
priority for our merchandising is to expand the use of pricing and
promotional models to enable a deeper, fact-based understanding
of the role and impact of pricing within our product portfolio.
Investment in advertising is another key strategy. We significantly
increased spending on advertising since 2006, including advertis-
ing to recruit Representatives. We expect this to be an ongoing
investment to strengthen our beauty image worldwide and drive
sales positively.
From time to time, various regulations or laws have been pro-
posed or adopted that would, in general, restrict the frequency,
duration or volume of sales resulting from new product intro-
ductions, special promotions or other special price offers. We
expect our pricing flexibility and broad product lines to mitigate
the effect of these regulations.
Competitive ConditionsWe face competition from various products and product lines
both domestically and internationally. The beauty and beauty-
related products industry is highly competitive and the number
of competitors and degree of competition that we face in this
industry varies widely from country to country. Worldwide, we
compete against products sold to consumers by other direct-
selling and direct-sales companies and through the Internet, and
against products sold through the mass market and prestige
retail channels.
Specifically, due to the nature of the direct-selling channel, we
compete on a regional, often country-by-country basis, with our
direct-selling competitors. Unlike most other beauty companies,
we compete within a distinct business model where providing a
compelling earnings opportunity for our Representatives is as
critical as developing and marketing new and innovative products.
As a result, in contrast to a typical CPG company which operates
within a broad-based consumer pool, we must first compete
for a limited pool of Representatives before we reach the
ultimate consumer.
Within the broader CPG industry, we principally compete against
large and well-known cosmetics and fragrances companies
that manufacture and sell broad product lines through various
types of retail establishments. In addition, we compete against
many other companies that manufacture and sell more narrow
beauty product lines sold through retail establishments and
other channels.
We also have many competitors in the gift and decorative products
and apparel industries globally, including retail establishments,
principally department stores, gift shops and specialty retailers,
and direct-mail companies specializing in these products.
Our principal competition in the fashion jewelry industry consists
of a few large companies and many small companies that sell
fashion jewelry through retail establishments.
We believe that the personalized customer service offered by our
Representatives; the amount and type of field incentives we offer
our Representatives on a market-by-market basis; the high qual-
ity, attractive designs and prices of our products; the high level
of new and innovative products; our easily recognized brand
name and our guarantee of product satisfaction are significant
factors in establishing and maintaining our competitive position.
International OperationsOur international operations are conducted primarily through
subsidiaries in 64 countries and territories outside of the U.S.
In addition to these countries and territories, our products
are distributed in 40 other countries and territories through
distributorships.
A V O N 2009 5
PART I
Our international operations are subject to risks inherent in
conducting business abroad, including, but not limited to, the risk
of adverse currency fluctuations, currency remittance restrictions
and unfavorable social, economic and political conditions.
See the sections “Risk Factors - Our ability to conduct business,
particularly in international markets, may be affected by political,
legal, tax and regulatory risks” and “Risk Factors - We are sub-
ject to financial risks related to our international operations,
including exposure to foreign currency fluctuations” in Item 1A
on page 9 of our 2009 Annual Report.
ManufacturingWe manufacture and package almost all of our Beauty products.
Raw materials, consisting chiefly of essential oils, chemicals,
containers and packaging components, are purchased for our
Beauty products from various suppliers. Almost all of our Fashion
and Home products are purchased from various suppliers. Addi-
tionally, we design the brochures that are used by the Repre-
sentatives to sell our products. The loss of any one supplier
would not have a material impact on our ability to source raw
materials for our Beauty products or source products for our
Fashion and Home categories or paper for the brochures.
Packages, consisting of containers and packaging components,
are designed by our staff of artists and designers. The design
and development of new Beauty products are affected by the
cost and availability of materials such as glass, plastics and
chemicals. We believe that we can continue to obtain sufficient
raw materials and supplies to manufacture and produce our
Beauty products.
As further described in the “Overview” and “Strategic Initiatives”
sections within MD&A on pages 19 through 22, we continue to
implement SSI to reduce direct and indirect costs of materials,
goods and services. Under this initiative, we are shifting our
purchasing strategy from a local, commodity-oriented approach
towards a globally-coordinated effort.
We are also implementing an enterprise resource planning
(“ERP”) system on a worldwide basis, which is expected to
improve the efficiency of our supply chain and financial trans-
action processes. The implementation is expected to continue in
phases over the next several years. We completed implementa-
tion in certain significant markets, and will continue to roll-out
the ERP system over the next several years.
See Item 2, Properties, for additional information regarding the
location of our principal manufacturing facilities.
Product CategoriesEach of our three product categories account for 10% or more
of consolidated net sales. The following is the percentage of net
sales by product category for the years ended December 31:
2009 2008 2007
Beauty 72% 72% 70%
Fashion 17% 18% 18%
Home 11% 10% 12%
Trademarks and PatentsOur business is not materially dependent on the existence of
third-party patent, trademark or other third-party intellectual
property rights, and we are not a party to any ongoing material
licenses, franchises or concessions. We do seek to protect our key
proprietary technologies by aggressively pursuing comprehensive
patent coverage in major markets. We protect our Avon name
and other major proprietary trademarks through registration
of these trademarks in the markets where we sell our products,
monitoring the markets for infringement of such trademarks
by others, and by taking appropriate steps to stop any
infringing activities.
Seasonal Nature of BusinessOur sales and earnings have a marked seasonal pattern character-
istic of many companies selling Beauty, gift and decorative prod-
ucts, apparel, and fashion jewelry. Holiday sales cause a sales peak
in the fourth quarter of the year; however, the sales volume of
holiday gift items is, by its nature, difficult to forecast. Fourth
quarter revenue and operating data was as follows:
2009 2008
Fourth quarter revenues as a % of total
revenue 31% 26%
Fourth quarter operating profit as a % of
total operating profit 40% 28%
The fourth quarter operating profit comparison between 2009
and 2008 was impacted by recessionary pressure and the neg-
ative impact of foreign exchange in 2008. Partially offsetting
these items were costs to implement our restructuring initiatives
which were higher in 2009 than 2008. The fourth quarter of
2009 included costs to implement our restructuring initiatives of
$34.0, whereas the fourth quarter of 2008 included $7.4 of
costs to implement our restructuring initiatives.
Research and Product DevelopmentActivitiesNew products are essential to growth in the highly competitive
cosmetics industry. Our research and development department’s
efforts are significant to developing new products, including
formulating effective beauty treatments relevant to women's
needs, and redesigning or reformulating existing products. To
increase our brand competitiveness, we have increased our focus
on new technology and product innovation to deliver first-to-
market products that deliver visible consumer benefits.
Our global research and development facility is located in
Suffern, NY. A team of researchers and technicians apply the
disciplines of science to the practical aspects of bringing products
to market around the world. Relationships with dermatologists
and other specialists enhance our ability to deliver new formulas
and ingredients to market. Additionally, we have satellite
research facilities located in Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan,
Mexico, Poland and South Africa.
In 2009, our most significant product launches included Anew
Reversalist Serum/Cream, Anew Dermafull Helix, Spectra Lash
mascara, SpectraColor Lip, 24-K Gold Lipstick, Supercurlacious
Mascara and Spotlight fragrance.
The amounts incurred on research activities relating to the devel-
opment of new products and the improvement of existing prod-
ucts were $66.7 in 2009, $70.0 in 2008 and $71.8 in 2007. This
research included the activities of product research and develop-
ment and package design and development. Most of these activ-
ities were related to the development of Beauty products.
Environmental MattersIn general, compliance with environmental regulations impacting
our global operations has not had, and is not anticipated to
have, any material adverse effect on our capital expenditures,
financial position or competitive position.
EmployeesAt December 31, 2009, we employed approximately 41,000
employees. Of these, approximately 6,000 were employed in the
U.S. and 35,000 in other countries.
Website Access to ReportsOur annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports,
are, and have been throughout 2009, available without charge
on our investor website (www.avoninvestor.com) as soon as
reasonably practicable after they are filed with or furnished to
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We also
make available on our website the charters of our Board Com-
mittees, our Corporate Governance Guidelines and our Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics. Copies of these SEC reports and
other documents are also available, without charge, from
Investor Relations, Avon Products, Inc., 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, NY 10105-0196 or by sending an email to
[email protected] or by calling (212) 282-5320. Infor-
mation on our website does not constitute part of this report.
Additionally, our filings with the SEC may be read and copied at
the SEC Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE Washington,
DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. These filings
are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov free of
charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we have filed or
furnished the above referenced reports.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider each of the following risks asso-
ciated with an investment in our publicly traded securities and
all of the other information in our 2009 Annual Report. Our
business may also be adversely affected by risks and uncertainties
not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be
immaterial. If any of the events contemplated by the following
discussion of risks should occur, our business, prospects,
financial condition and results of operations may suffer.
Our success depends on our ability toexecute fully our global business strategy.Our ability to implement the key initiatives of our global business
strategy is dependent upon a number of factors, including our
ability to:
• implement our multi-year restructuring programs and achieve
anticipated savings from the initiatives under these programs;
• increase our beauty sales and market share, and strengthen
our brand image;
• realize anticipated cost savings and reinvest such savings effec-
tively in consumer-oriented investments and other aspects of
our business;
• implement appropriate product mix and pricing strategies,
including our PLS program and achieve anticipated benefits
from these strategies;
• implement enterprise resource planning and SSI and realize
efficiencies across our supply chain, marketing processes, sales
model and organizational structure;
• implement customer service initiatives, the Sales and Operation
Planning process and a zero overhead growth philosophy;
• implement and continue to innovate our Internet platform and
technology strategies;
• implement our outsourcing strategies;
• implement initiatives to reduce inventory levels;
• maintain appropriate cash flow levels and implement cash
management, tax, foreign currency hedging and risk manage-
ment strategies;
A V O N 2009 7
PART I
• implement our Sales Leadership program globally, recruit
Representatives, enhance the Representative experience and
increase their productivity through investments in the
direct-selling channel;
• increase the number of consumers served per Representative
and their engagement online, as well as to reach new con-
sumers through a combination of new brands, new businesses,
new channels and pursuit of strategic opportunities such as
acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances with other
companies; and
• estimate and achieve any projections concerning future
revenue and operating margin increases.
There can be no assurance that any of these initiatives will be
successfully and fully executed in the amounts or within the time
periods that we expect.
We may experience difficulties, delays orunexpected costs in completing our multi-year turnaround plan, including achievingthe anticipated savings of our multi-yearrestructuring initiatives.In November 2005, we announced a multi-year turnaround plan
as part of a major drive to fuel revenue growth and expand
profit margins, while increasing consumer investments. Restruc-
turing initiatives that are part of the turnaround plan include:
enhancement of organizational effectiveness, implementation
of a global manufacturing strategy through facilities realign-
ment, additional supply chain efficiencies in the areas of pro-
curement and distribution and streamlining of transactional and
other services through outsourcing and moves to low-cost coun-
tries. As part of the turnaround plan, we also launched our PLS
program and SSI initiative. In February 2009, we announced a
new restructuring program under our multi-year turnaround plan,
which focuses on restructuring our global supply chain opera-
tions, realigning certain local business support functions to a
more regional basis to drive increased efficiencies, and streamlin-
ing transaction-related services, including selective outsourcing.
We may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated savings or
benefits from one or more of these initiatives, and other events
and circumstances, such as difficulties, delays or unexpected
costs, may occur which could result in our not realizing all or any
of the anticipated savings or benefits. If we are unable to realize
these savings or benefits, our ability to continue to fund planned
advertising, market intelligence, consumer research and product
innovation initiatives may be adversely affected. In addition, our
plans to invest these savings and benefits ahead of future
growth means that such costs will be incurred whether or not
we realize these savings and benefits.
We are also subject to the risk of business disruption in connec-
tion with our multi-year restructuring programs or other strategic
initiatives, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and operating results.
There can be no assurance that we will beable to achieve our growth objectives ormaintain rates of growth.There can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve profit-
able growth in the future or maintain rates of growth. In devel-
oped markets, such as the U.S., we seek to achieve growth in
line with that of the overall beauty market, while in developing
and emerging markets, such as Brazil, we have higher growth
targets. Our growth overall is also subject to the strengths and
weakness of our individual markets, including our international
markets, which are or may be impacted by global economic
conditions. We cannot assure that our broad-based geographic
portfolio will be able to withstand an economic downturn or
recession in one or more particular regions. Our ability to
increase or maintain revenue and earnings depends on numer-
ous factors, and there can be no assurance that our current or
future business strategies will lead us to achieve our growth
objectives or maintain our rates of growth.
Our business is conducted worldwideprimarily in one channel, direct selling.Our business is conducted worldwide, primarily in the direct-
selling channel. Sales are made to the ultimate consumer prin-
cipally through approximately 6.2 million active independent
Representatives worldwide. There is a high rate of turnover
among Representatives, which is a common characteristic of
the direct-selling business. As a result, in order to maintain our
business and grow our business in the future, we need to
recruit, retain and service Representatives on a continuing basis
and continue to innovate the direct-selling model. If consumers
change their purchasing habits, such as by reducing purchases
of beauty and related products generally, or by reducing
purchases from Representatives or buying beauty and related
products in channels other than in direct selling, this could
reduce our sales and have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. If our
competitors establish greater market share in the direct-selling
channel, our business, financial condition and operating results
may be adversely affected. Furthermore, if any government
bans or severely restricts our business method of direct selling,
our business, financial condition and operating results may be
adversely affected.
Our ability to conduct business, particularlyin international markets, may be affectedby political, legal, tax and regulatory risks.Our ability to capitalize on growth in new international markets
and to maintain the current level of operations in our existing
international markets is exposed to risks associated with our
international operations, including:
• the possibility that a foreign government might ban or severely
restrict our business method of direct selling, or that local civil
unrest, political instability or changes in diplomatic or trade
relationships might disrupt our operations in an international
market;
• the lack of well-established or reliable legal systems in certain
areas where we operate;
• the possibility that a government authority might impose legal,
tax or other financial burdens on our Representatives, as direct
sellers, or on Avon, due, for example, to the structure of our
operations in various markets; and
• the possibility that a government authority might challenge
the status of our Representatives as independent contractors
or impose employment or social taxes on our Representatives.
For example, in 1998, the Chinese government banned direct
selling but, subsequently in April 2005, the Chinese government
granted approval for us to proceed with a limited test of direct
selling in certain areas. The Chinese government later issued
direct-selling regulations in late 2005, and we were granted a
direct-selling license by China’s Ministry of Commerce in late
February 2006, which has allowed us to commence direct selling
under such regulations. However, there can be no assurance that
these and other regulations and approvals will not be rescinded,
restricted or otherwise altered, which may have a material adverse
effect on our direct-selling business in China. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to successfully transition and
evolve our business in China in connection with the development
and evolution of the direct-selling business in that market and
successfully operate using a direct-selling model permitted in
that market, or that we will experience growth in that or other
emerging markets. We may encounter similar political, legal and
regulatory risks in other international markets in our portfolio.
We are also subject to the interpretation and enforcement by
governmental agencies of other foreign laws, rules, regulations
or policies, including any changes thereto, such as restrictions
on trade, import and export license requirements, privacy and
data protection laws, and tariffs and taxes, which may require
us to adjust our operations in certain markets where we do
business. In addition, we face legal and regulatory risks in the
United States and, in particular, cannot predict with certainty the
outcome of various contingencies or the impact that pending or
future legislative and regulatory changes may have on our
business in the future. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has
proposed business opportunity regulations which may have an
effect upon the Company’s method of operating in the U.S. It is
not possible to gauge what any final regulation may provide, its
effective date or its impact at this time.
We are subject to financial risks related toour international operations, includingexposure to foreign currency fluctuations.We operate globally, through operations in various locations
around the world, and derive approximately 80% of our con-
solidated revenue from our operations outside of the U.S.
One risk associated with our international operations is that the
functional currency for most of our international operations is
the applicable local currency. Because of this, movements in
exchange rates may have a significant impact on our earnings,
cash flow and financial position. For example, currencies for
which we have significant exposures include the Argentine peso,
Brazilian real, British pound, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi,
Colombian peso, the Euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Philip-
pine peso, Polish zloty, Russian ruble, Turkish lira, Ukrainian
hryvnia and Venezuelan bolivar. Although we implement foreign
currency hedging and risk management strategies to reduce
our exposure to fluctuations in earnings and cash flows associated
with changes in foreign exchange rates, there can be no
assurance that foreign currency fluctuations will not have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Another risk associated with our international operations is the
possibility that a foreign government may impose currency
remittance restrictions. Due to the possibility of government
restrictions on transfers of cash out of the country and control
of exchange rates, we may not be able to immediately repatriate
cash at the official exchange rate or if the official exchange rate
devalues, it may have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. For example,
currency restrictions enacted by the Venezuelan government in
2003 have become more restrictive and have impacted the
ability of our subsidiary in Venezuela (“Avon Venezuela”) to
obtain foreign currency at the official rate to pay for imported
products. Unless official foreign exchange is made more readily
available, Avon Venezuela’s operations will continue to be neg-
atively impacted as it will need to obtain more of its foreign
currency needs from non-government sources where the
exchange rate is less favorable than the official rate.
A V O N 2009 9
PART I
Inflation is another risk associated with our international oper-
ations. For example, Venezuela has been recently designated as a
highly inflationary economy. Gains and losses resulting from the
translation of the financial statements of subsidiaries operating
in highly inflationary economies are recorded in earnings. Given
Venezuela’s designation as a highly inflationary economy and
the devaluation of the official rate, our revenue, operating profit,
and net income will be negatively impacted in 2010 and beyond.
In addition, there can be no assurance that other countries in
which we operate will not also become highly inflationary and
that our operations will not be negatively impacted as a result.
See the “Segment Review” section within MD&A on page 29 of
our 2009 Annual Report for additional information regarding
Venezuela.
A general economic downturn, a recessionglobally or in one or more of ourgeographic regions or sudden disruption inbusiness conditions may adversely affectour business, including consumerpurchases of discretionary items, such asbeauty and related products.A downturn in the economies in which we sell our products,
including any recession in one or more of our geographic regions,
or the current global macro-economic pressures, could adversely
affect our business. Recent global economic events, especially in
North America, including job losses, the tightening of credit
markets and failures of financial institutions and other entities,
have resulted in challenges to our business and a heightened
concern regarding further deterioration globally. If current eco-
nomic conditions continue or worsen, we could experience
potential declines in revenues, profitability and cash flow due to
reduced orders, payment delays, supply chain disruptions or
other factors caused by economic challenges faced by customers,
prospective customers and suppliers. Additionally, if these con-
ditions continue or worsen, any one or all of them could poten-
tially have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital
resources, including our ability to issue commercial paper, raise
additional capital or the ability of lenders to maintain our credit
lines, and our ability to maintain offshore cash balances, or
otherwise negatively impact our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
Consumer spending is generally affected by a number of factors,
including general economic conditions, inflation, interest rates,
energy costs, gasoline prices and consumer confidence generally,
all of which are beyond our control. Consumer purchases of
discretionary items tend to decline during recessionary periods,
when disposable income is lower, and may impact sales of our
products. We face continued economic challenges in fiscal 2010
because customers may continue to have less money for discre-
tionary purchases as a result of job losses, foreclosures, bankrupt-
cies, reduced access to credit and sharply falling home prices,
among other things.
In addition, sudden disruptions in business conditions as a result
of a terrorist attack similar to the events of September 11, 2001,
including further attacks, retaliation and the threat of further
attacks or retaliation, war, adverse weather conditions and climate
changes or other natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina,
pandemic situations or large scale power outages can have a
short or, sometimes, long-term impact on consumer spending.
We face significant competition.We face competition from competing products in each of our
lines of business, in both the domestic and international markets.
Worldwide, we compete against products sold to consumers by
other direct-selling and direct-sales companies and through the
Internet, and against products sold through the mass market and
prestige retail channels.
Within the direct-selling channel, we compete on a regional,
and often country-by-country basis, with our direct-selling
competitors. There are also a number of direct-selling companies
that sell product lines similar to ours, some of which also have
worldwide operations and compete with us globally. Unlike most
other beauty companies, we compete within a distinct business
model where providing a compelling earnings opportunity for our
Representatives is as critical as developing and marketing new
and innovative products. Therefore, in contrast to a typical con-
sumer packaged goods (“CPG”) company which operates within
a broad-based consumer pool, we must first compete for a limited
pool of Representatives before we reach the ultimate consumer.
Direct sellers compete for representative or entrepreneurial talent
by providing a more competitive earnings opportunity or “better
deal” than that offered by the competition. Representatives are
attracted to a direct seller by competitive earnings opportunities,
often through what are commonly known as “field incentives”
in the direct-selling industry. Competitors devote substantial
effort to finding out the effectiveness of such incentives so that
they can invest in incentives that are the most cost effective or
produce the better payback. As the largest and oldest beauty
direct seller, Avon’s business model and strategies are often
highly sought after, particularly by smaller local and more nimble
competitors who seek to capitalize on our investment and exper-
ience. As a result, we are subject to significant competition for
the recruitment of Representatives from other direct-selling or
network marketing organizations. It is therefore continually
necessary to innovate and enhance our direct selling and service-
model as well as to recruit and retain new Representatives. If we
are unable to do so our business will be adversely affected.
Within the broader CPG industry, we compete against large and
well-known cosmetics and fragrances companies that manufac-
ture and sell broad product lines through various types of retail
establishments. In addition, we compete against many other
companies that manufacture and sell in more narrow Beauty
product lines sold through retail establishments. This industry is
highly competitive, and some of our principal competitors in the
CPG industry are larger than we are and have greater resources
than we do. Competitive activities on their part could cause
our sales to suffer. We have many competitors in the highly compe-
titive gift and decorative products and apparel industries globally,
including retail establishments, principally department stores, gift
shops and specialty retailers, and direct-mail companies specializing
in these products. Our principal competition in the highly
competitive fashion jewelry industry consists of a few large
companies and many small companies that sell fashion jewelry
through retail establishments.
The number of competitors and degree of competition that
we face in this beauty and related products industry varies
widely from country to country. If our advertising, promotional,
merchandising or other marketing strategies are not successful,
if we are unable to deliver new products that represent techno-
logical breakthroughs, if we do not successfully manage the
timing of new product introductions or the profitability of these
efforts, or if for other reasons our Representatives or end
customers perceive competitors’ products as having greater
appeal, then our sales and financial results may suffer.
Any future acquisitions may expose us toadditional risks.We continuously review acquisition prospects that would comple-
ment our current product offerings, increase the size and geo-
graphic scope of our operations or otherwise offer growth and
operating efficiency opportunities. The financing for any of these
acquisitions could dilute the interests of our stockholders, result
in an increase in our indebtedness or both. Acquisitions may
entail numerous risks, including:
• difficulties in assimilating acquired operations or products,
including the loss of key employees from acquired businesses
and disruption to our direct-selling channel;
• diversion of management’s attention from our core business;
• adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers
and customers; and
• risks of entering markets in which we have limited or no
prior experience.
Our failure to successfully complete the integration of any
acquired business could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and operating results. In addition,
there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suita-
ble acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on
favorable terms.
Third-party suppliers provide, among otherthings, the raw materials used tomanufacture our Beauty products, and theloss of these suppliers or a disruption orinterruption in the supply chain mayadversely affect our business.We manufacture and package almost all of our Beauty products.
Raw materials, consisting chiefly of essential oils, chemicals,
containers and packaging components, are purchased from various
third-party suppliers for our Beauty products. Almost all of our
non-Beauty products are purchased from various suppliers.
Additionally, we produce the brochures that are used by
Representatives to sell Avon products. The loss of multiple suppliers
or a significant disruption or interruption in the supply chain
could have a material adverse effect on the manufacturing and
packaging of our Beauty products, the purchasing of our
non-Beauty products or the production of our brochures. This
risk may be exacerbated by SSI, which will shift our purchasing
strategy toward a globally-coordinated effort. Furthermore,
increases in the costs of raw materials or other commodities may
adversely affect our profit margins if we are unable to pass along
any higher costs in the form of price increases or otherwise
achieve cost efficiencies in manufacturing and distribution.
The loss of or a disruption in ourmanufacturing and distribution operationscould adversely affect our business.Our principal properties consist of worldwide manufacturing facil-
ities for the production of Beauty products, distribution centers
where offices are located and where finished merchandise is
packed and shipped to Representatives in fulfillment of their
orders, and one principal research and development facility.
Additionally, we also use third party manufacturers to manufac-
ture certain of our products. Therefore, as a company engaged in
manufacturing, distribution and research and development on a
global scale, we are subject to the risks inherent in such activities,
including industrial accidents, environmental events, fires, strikes
and other labor or industrial disputes, disruptions in logistics or
information systems, loss or impairment of key manufacturing
or distribution sites, product quality control, safety, licensing
requirements and other regulatory or government issues, as well
as natural disasters, pandemics, border disputes, acts of terrorism
A V O N 2009 11
PART I
and other external factors over which we have no control.
These risks may be exacerbated by our efforts to increase facility
consolidation covering our manufacturing, distribution and
supply footprints or if we are unable to successfully enhance
our disaster recovery planning. The loss of, or damage to, any of
our facilities or centers, or that of our third party manufacturers
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Our success depends, in part, on thequality and safety of our products.Our success depends, in part, on the quality and safety of our
products, including the procedures we employ to detect the like-
lihood of hazard, manufacturing issues and unforeseen product
misuse. If our products are found to be defective or unsafe, or
if they otherwise fail to meet our Representatives’ or end
customers’ standards, our relationship with our Representatives
or end customers could suffer, we could need to recall some of
our products, our reputation or the appeal of our brand could be
diminished, and we could lose market share and/or become
subject to liability claims, any of which could result in a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
Our information technology systems maybe susceptible to disruptions.We employ information technology systems to support our
business, including systems to support financial reporting, an
enterprise resource planning system which we are implementing
on a worldwide basis, and an internal communication and data
transfer network. We also employ information technology systems
to support Representatives in many of our markets, including
electronic order collection and invoicing systems and on-line
training. We have Internet sites in many of our markets, including
business-to-business sites to support Representatives. We have
undertaken initiatives to increase our reliance on employing
information technology systems to support our Representatives,
as well as initiatives, as part of our multi-year restructuring pro-
gram, to outsource certain services, including the provision of
global human resources information technology systems to our
employees and other information technology processes. Any of
these systems may be susceptible to outages due to the complex
landscape of localized applications and architectures as well as
fire, floods, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist
attacks, break-ins and similar events. Despite the implementation
of network security measures, our systems may also be vulner-
able to computer viruses, break-ins and similar disruptions from
unauthorized tampering with these systems. The occurrence of
these or other events could disrupt our information technology
systems and adversely affect our operation.
Our success depends, in part, on our keypersonnel.Our success depends, in part, on our ability to retain our key
personnel, including our executive officers and senior management
team. The unexpected loss of one or more of our key employees
could adversely affect our business. Our success also depends,
in part, on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain
other highly qualified personnel. Competition for these employees
can be intense. We may not be able to attract, assimilate or retain
qualified personnel in the future, and our failure to do so could
adversely affect our business. This risk may be exacerbated by
the uncertainties associated with the implementation of our
multi-year restructuring plan.
Our ability to anticipate and respond tomarket trends and changes in consumerpreferences could affect our financialresults.Our continued success depends on our ability to anticipate,
gauge and react in a timely and effective manner to changes in
consumer spending patterns and preferences for beauty and
related products. We must continually work to develop, produce
and market new products, maintain and enhance the recognition
of our brands, achieve a favorable mix of products, and refine our
approach as to how and where we market and sell our products.
While we devote considerable effort and resources to shape,
analyze and respond to consumer preferences, consumer spending
patterns and preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and
can change rapidly. If we are unable to anticipate and respond
to trends in the market for beauty and related products and
changing consumer demands, our financial results will suffer. This
risk may be exacerbated by our product line simplification
(“PLS”) program, which is leading to significant changes to our
product offerings.
Furthermore, material shifts or decreases in market demand for
our products, including as a result of changes in consumer
spending patterns and preferences, could result in us carrying
inventory that cannot be sold at anticipated prices or increased
product returns by our Representatives. Failure to maintain proper
inventory levels or increased product returns by our Representa-
tives could result in a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition.
If we are unable to protect our intellectualproperty rights, specifically patents andtrademarks, our ability to compete couldbe negatively impacted.The market for our products depends to a significant extent
upon the value associated with our product innovations and our
brand equity. We own the material patents and trademarks used
in connection with the marketing and distribution of our major
products both in the U.S. and in other countries where such
products are principally sold. Although most of our material
intellectual property is registered in the U.S. and in certain for-
eign countries in which we operate, there can be no assurance
with respect to the rights associated with such intellectual prop-
erty in those countries. In addition, the laws of certain foreign
countries, including many emerging markets, such as China, may
not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as
the laws of the U.S. The costs required to protect our patents
and trademarks may be substantial.
We are involved, and may become involvedin the future, in legal proceedings that, ifadversely adjudicated or settled, couldadversely affect our financial results.We are and may, in the future, become party to litigation. In
general, litigation claims can be expensive and time consuming
to bring or defend against and could result in settlements or
damages that could significantly affect financial results. We are
currently vigorously contesting certain of these litigation claims.
However, it is not possible to predict the final resolution of the
litigation to which we currently are or may in the future become
party to, and the impact of certain of these matters on our
business, results of operations and financial condition could
be material.
Government reviews, inquiries,investigations, and actions could harm ourbusiness or reputation.As we operate in various locations around the world, our oper-
ations in certain countries are subject to significant governmental
scrutiny and may be harmed by the results of such scrutiny. The
regulatory environment with regard to direct selling in emerging
and developing markets where we do business is evolving, and
officials in such locations often exercise broad discretion in
deciding how to interpret and apply applicable regulations. From
time to time, we may receive formal and informal inquiries from
various government regulatory authorities about our business
and compliance with local laws and regulations. Any determi-
nation that our operations or activities, or the activities of our
Representatives, are not in compliance with existing laws or
regulations could result in the imposition of substantial fines,
interruptions of business, termination of necessary licenses and
permits, or similar results, all of which could potentially harm our
business and/or reputation. Even if an inquiry does not result in
these types of determinations, it potentially could create neg-
ative publicity which could harm our business and/or reputation.
Significant changes in pension fundinvestment performance, assumptionsrelating to pension costs or required legalchanges in pension funding rules may havea material effect on the valuation of pensionobligations, the funded status of pensionplans and our pension cost.Our funding policy for pension plans is to accumulate plan assets
that, over the long run, will approximate the present value of
projected benefit obligations. Our pension cost is materially
affected by the discount rate used to measure pension obliga-
tions, the level of plan assets available to fund those obligations
at the measurement date and the expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets. Significant changes in investment perfor-
mance or a change in the portfolio mix of invested assets can
result in corresponding increases and decreases in the valuation
of plan assets, particularly equity securities, or in a change of the
expected rate of return on plan assets. A change in the discount
rate would result in a significant increase or decrease in the
valuation of pension obligations, affecting the reported funded
status of our pension plans as well as the net periodic pension
cost in the following fiscal years. Similarly, changes in the expected
return on plan assets can result in significant changes in the net
periodic pension cost of the following fiscal years. Finally, recent
pension funding requirements under the Pension Protection Act
of 2006 may result in a significant increase or decrease in the
valuation of pension obligations affecting the reported funded
status of our pension plans.
The market price of our common stockcould be subject to fluctuations as a resultof many factors.Factors that could affect the trading price of our common stock
include the following:
• variations in operating results;
• economic conditions and volatility in the financial markets;
• announcements or significant developments in connection
with our business and with respect to beauty and related
products or the beauty industry in general;
• actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly or annual
financial results;
• governmental policies and regulations;
• estimates of our future performance or that of our com-
petitors or our industries;
• general economic, political, and market conditions; and
• factors relating to competitors.
The trading price of our common stock has been, and could in
the future continue to be, subject to significant fluctuations.
A V O N 2009 13
PART I
We are investigating Foreign CorruptPractices Act (FCPA) and related U.S. andforeign law matters, and from time to timewe may conduct other internalinvestigations and compliance reviews, theconsequences of which could negativelyimpact our business.From time to time, we may conduct internal investigations and
compliance reviews, the consequences of which could negatively
impact our business. Any determination that our operations or
activities are not in compliance with existing United States or
foreign laws or regulations could result in the imposition of sub-
stantial fines, interruptions of business, termination of necessary
licenses and permits, and other legal or equitable sanctions.
Other legal or regulatory proceedings, as well as government
investigations, which often involve complex legal issues and are
subject to uncertainties, may also follow as a consequence. It is
our policy to cooperate with U.S. and foreign government
agencies and regulators, as appropriate, in connection with our
investigations and compliance reviews.
As previously reported, we have engaged outside counsel to
conduct an internal investigation and compliance reviews focused
on compliance with the FCPA and related U.S. and foreign laws
in China and additional countries. The internal investigation and
compliance reviews, which are being conducted under the
oversight of our Audit Committee, began in June 2008. We
voluntarily contacted the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission and the United States Department of Justice to
advise both agencies of our internal investigation and compliance
reviews and we are, as we have done from the beginning of the
internal investigation, continuing to cooperate with both agencies
and have signed tolling agreements with them.
The internal investigation and compliance reviews, which started
in China, are focused on reviewing certain expenses and books
and records processes, including, but not limited to, travel, enter-
tainment, gifts, and payments to third-party agents and others,
in connection with our business dealings, directly or indirectly,
with foreign governments and their employees. The internal
investigation and compliance reviews of these matters are ongoing.
At this point we are unable to predict the duration, scope or
results of the internal investigation and compliance reviews.
Any determination that our operations or activities are not in
compliance with existing laws or regulations could result in the
imposition of substantial fines, civil and criminal penalties, equi-
table remedies, including disgorgement, injunctive relief and
other sanctions against us or our personnel. In addition, other
countries in which we do business may initiate their own inves-
tigations and impose similar sanctions. Because the internal
investigation and compliance reviews are ongoing, there can be
no assurance as to how the resulting consequences, if any, may
impact our internal controls, business, reputation, results of
operations or financial condition.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFFCOMMENTS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal properties worldwide consist of manufacturing
facilities for the production of Beauty products, distribution
centers where offices are located and where finished merchan-
dise is packed and shipped to Representatives in fulfillment of
their orders, and one principal research and development facility.
Our domestic manufacturing facilities are located in Morton
Grove, IL and Springdale, OH. Our domestic distribution centers
are located in Atlanta, GA; Glenview, IL; Zanesville, OH; and
Pasadena, CA. Our research and development facility is located
in Suffern, NY. We also lease office space in two locations in
New York City and own property in Rye, NY, for our executive
and administrative offices. In early 2010, we entered into a lease
for a new office location in New York City that will eventually
replace one of the existing New York City office locations on
more favorable terms.
Other principal properties outside the U.S. measuring 50,000
square feet or more include the following:
• two distribution centers for primary use in North America
operations (other than in the U.S.);
• four manufacturing facilities, eleven distribution centers and
two administrative offices in Latin America;
• four manufacturing facilities in Europe, primarily servicing
Western Europe, Middle East & Africa and Central &
Eastern Europe;
• seven distribution centers and four administrative offices in
Western Europe, Middle East & Africa;
• four distribution centers and two administrative offices in
Central & Eastern Europe;
• two manufacturing facilities, four distribution centers, and one
administrative offices in Asia Pacific; and
• two manufacturing facilities and six distribution centers in China.
Of all the properties listed above, 33 are owned and the remaining
33 are leased. Many of our properties are used for a combination
of manufacturing, distribution and administration. These proper-
ties are included in the above listing based on primary usage.
We consider all of these properties to be in good repair, to
adequately meet our needs and to operate at reasonable levels
of productive capacity.
In January 2007, we announced plans to realign certain North
America distribution operations. This initiative included the
building of a new distribution center in Zanesville, OH, which we
opened in 2009. We have closed our distribution branch in
Newark, DE. Additionally, we will phase-out our current
distribution branch in Glenview, IL, with the closure expected to
be completed by mid-2010.
In January 2008, we announced plans to realign certain Latin
America distribution and manufacturing operations. We are
building a new distribution center in Brazil that is expected to
open in 2011. We will phase-out our current distribution center
in Sao Paulo, Brazil during 2011. In addition, we are opening a
new distribution center in Colombia during 2011. During 2008,
we transferred production from our manufacturing facility in
Guatemala to our facility in Mexico.
In July 2009, we announced plans to realign manufacturing
operations in North America and Europe. This initiative includes
the closing of manufacturing facilities in Springdale, OH in 2012
and Germany in 2011.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Reference is made to Note 15, Contingencies, on pages F-33 and
F-34 of our 2009 Annual Report.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TOA VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during
the quarter ended December 31, 2009.
A V O N 2009 15
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDERMATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market for Avon’s Common StockOur common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the AVP ticker symbol. At December 31, 2009, there were
approximately 17,277 holders of record of our common stock. We believe that there are many additional shareholders who are not “share-
holders of record” but who beneficially own and vote shares through nominee holders such as brokers and benefit plan trustees. High and
low market prices and dividends per share of our common stock, in dollars, for 2009 and 2008 are listed below. For information regarding
future dividends on our common stock, see the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section within MD&A on pages 33 through 36.
2009 2008
Quarter High Low
DividendsDeclaredand Paid High Low
DividendsDeclaredand Paid
First $25.10 $15.20 $.21 $40.50 $34.47 $.20Second 27.59 19.37 .21 41.05 35.44 .20Third 33.96 25.11 .21 45.25 35.08 .20Fourth 36.12 31.45 .21 41.23 18.38 .20
Stock Performance Graph
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total ReturnAmong Avon Products, Inc., The S&P 500 Index and
2009 Industry Composite
(1)
(2)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
$ V
alu
e
Avon Products, Inc.
S&P 500
Industry Composite
Assumed $100 invested on December 31, 2004, in Avon’s common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Industry Composite. The dollar
amounts indicated in the graph above and in the chart below are as of December 31 or the last trading day in the year indicated.
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Avon $100.00 $ 75.23 $ 89.11 $108.72 $ 67.73 $ 91.54S&P 500 100.00 104.91 121.48 128.16 80.74 102.11Industry Composite(2) 100.00 103.98 119.32 137.65 118.26 127.54
(1) Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends at the closing price at the end of each quarter.
(2) The Industry Composite includes Alberto-Culver, Clorox, Colgate–Palmolive, Estée Lauder, Kimberly Clark, Procter & Gamble and Revlon.
The Stock Performance Graph shall not be deemed to be “solicit-
ing material” or to be “filed” with the Securities and Exchange
Commission or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, it shall not be
deemed incorporated by reference by any statement that
incorporates this annual report on Form 10-K by reference into
any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically
incorporate this information by reference.
Issuer Purchases of Equity SecuritiesThe following table provides information about our purchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2009:
Total Numberof Shares
Purchased (1)
Average PricePaid per Share
Total Number ofShares Purchased as
Part of PubliclyAnnounced Programs (2)
Approximate DollarValue of Shares that
May Yet Be PurchasedUnder the Program
10/1/09 – 10/31/09 446 $36.00 – $1,819,809,000
11/1/09 – 11/30/09 1,134 31.95 – 1,819,809,000
12/1/09 – 12/31/09 1,061 34.84 – 1,819,809,000
Total 2,641 –
(1) Consists of shares that were repurchased by us in connection with employee elections to use shares to pay withholding taxes upon the vesting of theirrestricted stock units.
(2) There were no shares purchased during the fourth quarter of 2009 as part of our $2.0 billion share repurchase program, publicly announced on October 11,2007. The program commenced on December 17, 2007, and is scheduled to expire on December 17, 2012.
A V O N 2009 17
PART II
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
We derived the following selected financial data from our audited consolidated financial statements. The following data should be read in
conjunction with our MD&A and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes.
2009 2008 2007 (2) 2006 (3) 2005
Income Data
Total revenue $10,382.8 $10,690.1 $9,938.7 $8,763.9 $8,149.6
Operating profit (1) 1,018.2 1,339.3 872.7 761.4 1,149.0
Net income 625.8 875.3 530.7 477.6 847.6
Diluted earnings per share (4) $ 1.45 $ 2.03 $ 1.21 $ 1.06 $ 1.80
Cash dividends per share $ 0.84 $ 0.80 $ 0.74 $ 0.70 $ 0.66
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets $ 6,832.7 $ 6,074.0 $5,716.2 $5,238.2 $4,761.4
Debt maturing within one year 138.1 1,031.4 929.5 615.6 882.5
Long-term debt 2,307.8 1,456.2 1,167.9 1,170.7 766.5
Total debt 2,445.9 2,487.6 2,097.4 1,786.3 1,649.0
Total shareholders' equity (5) 1,312.6 712.3 749.8 827.4 834.1
(1) A number of items, shown below, impact the comparability of our operating profit. See Note 14, Restructuring Initiatives and Note 9, Share-Based Compen-sation Plans, to this 2009 Annual Report for more information on these items.
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005
Costs to implement restructuring initiatives related to
our multi-year restructuring programs $171.4 $ 60.6 $158.3 $228.8 $56.5
Inventory obsolescence expense (benefit) related to
our product line simplification program – (13.0) 167.3 72.6 –
Share-based compensation 54.9 54.8 61.6 62.9 10.1
(2) In 2007, we recorded a decrease of $18.3 to shareholders’ equity from the initial adoption of the provisions for recognizing and measuring tax positionstaken or expected to be taken in a tax return that affect amounts reported in the financial statements as required by the Income Taxes Topic of the FASBAccounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”).
(3) In 2006, we recorded a decrease of $232.8 to total assets and $254.7 to shareholders’ equity from the initial adoption of the provisions for the recognition ofthe funded status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the balance sheet as required by the Compensation – Retirement Benefits Topic of theCodification.
(4) In 2009, we adopted the provisions required by the EPS Topic of the Codification. The specific provisions address whether instruments granted in share-basedpayment awards are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need to be included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS under the two-classmethod. Prior periods EPS was adjusted retrospectively which caused the December 31, 2008 diluted EPS to be adjusted from $2.04 to $2.03 and theDecember 31, 2005 diluted EPS to be adjusted from $1.81 to $1.80.
(5) In 2009, we adopted the provisions for the accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary in consolidated financial statements asrequired by the Consolidations Topic of the Codification. These provisions recharacterize minority interests as noncontrolling interests and require noncon-trolling interests to be classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. These provisions require retroactive adoption of the presentation and disclosurerequirements for existing minority interests. As a result of the adoption of these provisions, we reclassified minority interest of $37.4, $38.2, $37.0 and $39.9from other liabilities to shareholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSIONAND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIALCONDITION AND RESULTS OFOPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion of the results of oper-
ations and financial condition of Avon Products, Inc. and its
majority and wholly owned subsidiaries in conjunction with the
information contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements
and related Notes. When used in this discussion, the terms
“Avon,” “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” mean, unless the
context otherwise indicates, Avon Products, Inc. and its majority
and wholly owned subsidiaries.
Refer to the Key Performance Indicators table on page 23 of this
2009 Annual Report for a description of how Constant dollar
(“Constant $”) growth rates (a Non-GAAP financial measure)
are determined.
OVERVIEWWe are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and
related products. Our business is conducted worldwide, primarily
in the direct-selling channel. We presently have sales operations
in 65 countries and territories, including the U.S., and distribute
products in 40 more. Our reportable segments are based on
geographic operations in six regions: Latin America; North Amer-
ica; Central & Eastern Europe; Western Europe, Middle East &
Africa; Asia Pacific; and China. We have centralized operations
for Global Brand Marketing, Global Sales and Supply Chain. Our
product categories are Beauty, Fashion and Home. Beauty con-
sists of color cosmetics, fragrances, skin care and personal care.
Fashion consists of fashion jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear
and accessories. Home consists of gift and decorative products,
housewares, entertainment and leisure products and children’s
and nutritional products. Sales from Health and Wellness prod-
ucts and mark., a global cosmetics brand that focuses on the
market for young women, are included among these three cate-
gories based on product type. Sales are made to the ultimate
consumer principally through direct selling by approximately
6.2 million active independent Representatives, who are inde-
pendent contractors and not our employees. The success of our
business is highly dependent on recruiting, retaining and servic-
ing our Representatives.
We view the geographic diversity of our businesses as a strategic
advantage in part because it allows us to participate in higher
growth beauty markets internationally. In developed markets,
such as the U.S., we seek to achieve growth in line with that of
the overall beauty market, while in developing and emerging
markets, we seek to achieve higher growth targets. During 2009,
approximately 80% of our consolidated revenue was derived
from operations outside the U.S.
At the end of 2005, we launched a comprehensive, multi-year
turnaround plan to restore sustainable growth. We have approved
and announced all of the initiatives of the restructuring program
launched in 2005 under the turnaround plan (“2005 Restructur-
ing Program”). In 2007, we completed the analysis of our optimal
product portfolio and made decisions on exit strategies for
non-optimal products under our Product Line Simplification pro-
gram (“PLS”). In 2007, we also launched our Strategic Sourcing
Initiative (“SSI”). We expect our restructuring initiatives under our
2005 Restructuring Program to deliver annualized savings of
approximately $430 once all initiatives are fully implemented by
2011-2012. We also expect to achieve annualized benefits in
excess of $200 from PLS and $250 from SSI in 2010. In February
2009, we announced a new restructuring program (“2009
Restructuring Program”) under our multi-year turnaround plan,
which targets increasing levels of efficiency and organizational
effectiveness across our global operations. We expect the restruc-
turing initiatives under our 2009 Restructuring Program to deliver
annualized savings of approximately $200 once all initiatives are
fully implemented by 2012-2013. These initiatives and programs
are discussed further below. Whenever we refer to annualized
savings or annualized benefits, we mean the additional operating
profit we expect to realize on a full-year basis every year follow-
ing implementation of the respective initiative as compared with
the operating profit we would have expected to achieve without
having implemented the initiative.
During 2009, revenue decreased 3%, impacted by unfavorable
foreign exchange and the depressed global economy. Constant
$ revenue increased 6%, with increases in all segments except
North America and China. Sales from products in the Beauty
category decreased 3%, due to unfavorable foreign exchange.
On a Constant $ basis, sales of products in the Beauty category
increased 7% due to a 4% increase in units and a 3% increase
in net per unit. Active Representatives increased 9%. The unfav-
orable impact of foreign exchange lowered operating margin by
an estimated 2.5 points (approximately 2 points from foreign-
exchange transactions and approximately 0.5 points from foreign-
exchange translation), year over year. See the “Segment Review”
section of this MD&A for additional information related to
changes in revenue by segment.
Although we expect that the global economic pressures will
continue in the foreseeable future, we expect at least mid-single
digit Constant $ revenue growth during 2010.
Our 2010 operating margin will be negatively impacted by the
devaluation of the Venezuelan currency coupled with a required
change to account for operations in Venezuela on a highly
inflationary basis. As a result of the devaluation, we expect the
Company’s operating margin to be negatively impacted by
approximately $85 of costs associated with the historical cost in
A V O N 2009 19
PART II
U.S. dollars of non-monetary assets. Refer to further discussion
of Venezuela on page 29 of this 2009 Annual Report. Despite
the negative impact of the accounting cost from the devaluation
of the Venezuelan currency, we anticipate the Company’s oper-
ating margin to improve in 2010 and to reach mid-teen levels
by 2013.
We believe that our strong operating cash flow and global cash
balances of approximately $1.3 billion, coupled with the continu-
ing execution of our turnaround strategies and the competitive
advantages of our direct-selling business model, will allow us to
continue our focus on long-term sustainable, profitable growth.
We are also focused on innovating our direct-selling channel
through technological and service model enhancements for our
Representatives and assessing new product category opportuni-
ties. We also continue to offer an increased assortment of “smart
value” products, which are quality products at affordable price
points, and promote our Representative earnings opportunity to
a wider audience.
Strategic InitiativesAt the end of 2005, we launched a comprehensive, multi-year
turnaround plan to restore sustainable growth. As part of the
turnaround plan, we launched our PLS and SSI Programs. Since
2005, we have identified, and in many cases implemented, restruc-
turing initiatives under our 2005 and 2009 Restructuring Programs.
We continue to implement certain initiatives under these restruc-
turing programs. The anticipated savings or benefits realized
from these initiatives have funded and will continue to fund our
investment in, amongst other things, advertising, market intelli-
gence, consumer research and product innovation.
Advertising and Representative ValueProposition (“RVP”)Investing in advertising is a key strategy. Although we signifi-
cantly increased spending on advertising over the past three
years, during 2009, our investment in advertising decreased by
$38 or 10% reflecting improved productivity, general softness
in media prices and the benefit of foreign currency translation.
As a percentage of Beauty sales, our investment in advertising was
flat compared to 2008. The advertising investments supported
new product launches, such as, Anew Reversalist Serum/Cream,
Anew Dermafull Helix, Spectra Lash mascara, SpectraColor Lip,
24-K Gold Lipstick, Supercurlacious Mascara and Spotlight
fragrance. Advertising investments also included advertising to
recruit Representatives. We have also continued to forge alliances
with celebrities, including alliances with Patrick Dempsey and
Reese Witherspoon for her In Bloom fragrance.
We continued to invest in our direct-selling channel to improve
the reward and effort equation for our Representatives. We have
committed significant investments for extensive research to deter-
mine the payback on advertising and field tools and actions, and
the optimal balance of these tools and actions in our markets.
We have allocated these significant investments in proprietary
direct-selling analytics to better understand the drivers of value
for our Representatives. We measure our investment in RVP as
the incremental cost to provide these value-enhancing initiatives.
During 2009, we invested approximately $56 incrementally in
our Representatives through RVP by continued implementation
of our Sales Leadership program, enhanced incentives, increased
sales campaign frequency, improved commissions and new
e-business tools. Investing in RVP will continue to be a key strat-
egy. We will continue to look for ways to improve the earnings
opportunity for Representatives through various means, including
the following:
• Evaluating optimum discount structures in select markets;
• Continuing the roll-out of our Sales Leadership Program, which
offers Representatives an enhanced career opportunity;
• Strategically examining the fee structure and brochure costs to
enhance Representative economics;
• Recalibrating the frequency of campaigns to maximize Repre-
sentative selling opportunities;
• Applying the optimal balance of advertising and field invest-
ment in our key markets; and
• Web enablement for Representatives including on-line training
enhancements.
While the reward and effort will be different within our global
portfolio of businesses, we believe that web enablement is a
key element to reduce Representative effort worldwide. We
will continue to focus on improving Internet-based tools for
our Representatives.
Product Line SimplificationDuring 2006, we began to analyze our product line, under our
PLS program, to develop a smaller range of better performing,
more profitable products. The continued goal of PLS is to identify
an improved product assortment to drive higher sales of more
profitable products. During 2007, we completed the analysis of
our product portfolio, concluded on the appropriate product assort-
ment going forward and made decisions regarding the ultimate
disposition of products that will no longer be part of our improved
product assortment (such as selling at a discount, donation, or
destruction). During 2007, we recorded PLS charges of $187.8,
primarily for incremental inventory obsolescence expense of $167.3.
Although the PLS program is ongoing, we recorded final PLS
charges in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Sales and marketing benefits have and will continue to account
for most of our projected benefits. Improving our product
assortment will allow us to increase exposure and improve
presentation of the remaining products within our brochure,
which is expected to yield more pleasurable consumer shopping
experiences, easier Representative selling experiences, and
greater sales per brochure page. A second source of benefits
from PLS results from “transferable demand.” Transferable
demand refers to the concept that when products with redun-
dant characteristics are removed from our product assortment,
some demand from the eliminated products will transfer to the
remaining products that offer similar or comparable product
characteristics. As part of PLS, when we identify products that
have sufficient overlap of characteristics, we will eliminate the
products with the lowest profitability and we expect the prod-
ucts that we retain will generate more profit. A third source of
benefits from PLS is less price discounting. As we implement
operating procedures under PLS, we anticipate introducing fewer
new products and lengthening the lifecycle of products in our
offering, which we expect will lead to less aggressive price
discounting over a product’s life cycle.
In addition to the benefits above, we also expect supply chain
benefits to account for some of our projected benefits. We expect
improvements to cost of sales once PLS is fully implemented,
primarily from a reduction in inventory obsolescence expense as a
result of better managed inventory levels, lower variable spending
on warehousing, more efficient manufacturing utilization and
lower purchasing costs. We also expect operating expenses to
benefit from a reduction in distribution costs and benefits to
inventory productivity.
Given the nature of these benefits, we estimate that we realized
our targeted total benefits from this program of approximately
$40 during 2008 and approximately $120 in 2009, or incremen-
tal benefits of approximately $80 over 2008. We expect to real-
ize targeted benefits in excess of $200 in 2010.
Strategic Sourcing InitiativeWe launched SSI in 2007. This initiative is expected to reduce
direct and indirect costs of materials, goods and services. Under
this initiative, we are shifting our purchasing strategy from a
local, commodity-oriented approach towards a globally-
coordinated effort which leverages our volumes, allows our
suppliers to benefit from economies of scale, utilizes sourcing
best practices and processes, and better matches our suppliers’
capabilities with our needs. Beyond lower costs, our goals from
SSI include improving asset management, service for
tatives and vendor relationships. During 2008, we realized
benefits of approximately $135 from SSI. During 2009, we
realized approximately $200 of benefits from SSI, or incremental
benefits of approximately $65 over 2008. We expect to realize
benefits in excess of $250 in 2010.
We continue to implement a Sales and Operations Planning
process that is intended to better align demand plans with our
supply capabilities and provide us with earlier visibility to any
potential supply issues.
Enterprise Resource Planning SystemWe are in the midst of a multi-year global roll-out of an enter-
prise resource planning (“ERP”) system, which is expected to
improve the efficiency of our supply chain and financial trans-
action processes. We began our gradual global roll-out in Europe
in 2005 and have since implemented ERP in our European manu-
facturing facilities, our larger European direct-selling operations
and in the U.S. As part of this continuing global roll-out, we
expect to implement ERP in several countries over the next
several years leveraging the knowledge gained from our
previous implementations.
During 2008, we worked to improve the effectiveness of ERP in
the U.S. and began to implement in the other markets within
North America, as well as in some smaller European direct-selling
operations. During 2008, we also began the multi-year implemen-
tation process in Latin America in one market. In Latin America,
we plan to implement modules of ERP in a gradual manner
across key markets over the next several years. During 2009, we
began delivering on the ERP implementation in Latin America,
with implementation of ERP modules in Mexico and Brazil. Dur-
ing 2010, we will continue the implementation in a gradual
manner across key markets within the region.
Zero-Overhead-GrowthWe have institutionalized a zero-overhead-growth philosophy
that aims to offset inflation through productivity improvements.
These improvements in productivity will come primarily from SSI
and our restructuring initiatives. We have defined overhead as
fixed expenses such as costs associated with our sales and mar-
keting infrastructure, and management and administrative activ-
ities. Overhead excludes variable expenses within selling, general
and administrative expenses, such as shipping and handling costs
and bonuses to our employees in the sales organization, and also
excludes consumer and strategic investments that are included in
selling, general and administrative expenses, such as advertising,
RVP, research and development and brochure costs.
Restructuring Initiatives2005 Restructuring Program
We launched our original restructuring program under our multi-
year turnaround plan in late 2005. We have approved and announced
all of the initiatives that are part of the 2005 Restructuring Pro-
gram. We expect to record total restructuring charges and other
costs to implement restructuring initiatives under this program of
approximately $530 before taxes. We have recorded total costs
A V O N 2009 21
Represen-
PART II
to implement, net of adjustments, of $524.3 through December
31, 2009, ($20.1 in 2009, $60.6 in 2008, $158.3 in 2007,
$228.8 in 2006 and $56.5 in 2005) for actions associated with
our restructuring initiatives under the 2005 Restructuring Pro-
gram, primarily for employee-related costs, including severance,
pension and other termination benefits, and professional service
fees related to these initiatives.
The costs to implement restructuring initiatives during 2005
through 2009 are associated with specific actions, including:
• organization realignment and downsizing in each region and
global through a process called “delayering,” taking out layers
to bring senior management closer to operations;
• the phased outsourcing of certain services, including certain
finance, information technology, human resource and
customer service processes, and the move of certain services
from markets to lower cost shared service centers;
• the restructure of certain international direct-selling
operations;
• the realignment of certain distribution and manufacturing
operations, including the realignment of certain of our North
America and Latin America distribution operations;
• the automation of certain distribution processes;
• the exit of certain unprofitable operations and product lines;
and
• the reorganization of certain functions, primarily sales-related
organizations.
Actions implemented under these restructuring initiatives
resulted in savings of approximately $300 in 2009, as compared
to savings of approximately $270 in 2008. We expect to achieve
annualized savings of approximately $430 once all initiatives are
fully implemented by 2011-2012. We expect the savings to
reach approximately $350 in 2010.
2009 Restructuring ProgramIn February 2009, we announced a new restructuring program
under our multi-year turnaround plan. The restructuring initiatives
under the 2009 Restructuring Program focus on restructuring
our global supply chain operations, realigning certain local business
support functions to a more regional basis to drive increased
efficiencies, and streamlining transaction-related services, includ-
ing selective outsourcing. We expect to record total restructuring
charges and other costs to implement these restructuring initia-
tives in the range of $300 to $400 before taxes under the 2009
Restructuring Program. We have recorded total costs to implement,
net of adjustments, of $151.3 through December 31, 2009, for
actions associated with our restructuring initiatives under the
2009 Restructuring Program, primarily for employee-related
costs, including severance, pension and other termination bene-
fits, and professional service fees related to these initiatives.
Actions implemented under these restructuring initiatives resulted
in savings of approximately $15 in 2009. We are targeting
annualized savings under the 2009 Restructuring Program of
approximately $200 upon full implementation by 2012-2013.
We expect the savings to reach approximately $75 in 2010.
See Note 14, Restructuring Initiatives, on pages F-29 through
F-33 of our 2009 Annual Report.
New Accounting StandardsInformation relating to new accounting standards is included in
Note 2, New Accounting Standards, of our consolidated financial
statements contained in this 2009 Annual Report.
Key Performance IndicatorsWithin this MD&A, we utilize the key performance indicators (“KPIs”) defined below to assist in the evaluation of our business.
KPI DefinitionGrowth in Active Representatives This indicator is based on the number of Representatives submitting an order in a campaign,
totaled for all campaigns in the related period. This amount is divided by the number of billing
days in the related period, to exclude the impact of year-to-year changes in billing days (for
example, holiday schedules). To determine the growth in Active Representatives, this calculation is
compared to the same calculation in the corresponding period of the prior year.
Change in Units This indicator is based on the gross number of pieces of merchandise sold during a period,
as compared to the same number in the same period of the prior year. Units sold include
samples sold and product contingent upon the purchase of another product (for example,
gift with purchase or purchase with purchase), but exclude free samples.
Inventory Days This indicator is equal to the number of days of cost of sales, based on the average of the
preceding 12 months, covered by the inventory balance at the end of the period.
Constant $ (Non- GAAP Financial Measure) To supplement our financial results presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we disclose
operating results that have been adjusted to exclude the impact of changes in the translation
of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars. We refer to these adjusted growth rates as Constant $
growth. We believe this measure provides investors an additional perspective on trends. To
exclude the impact of changes in the translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars, we
calculate current year results and prior year results at a constant exchange rate. Currency
impact is determined as the difference between actual growth rates and constant currency
growth rates.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
We believe the accounting policies described below represent our
critical accounting policies due to the estimation processes
involved in each. See Note 1, Description of the Business and
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of our consolidated
financial statements contained in this 2009 Annual Report for a
detailed discussion of the application of these and other
accounting policies.
Restructuring ReservesWe record severance-related expenses once they are both prob-
able and estimable for severance provided under an ongoing
benefit arrangement. One-time, involuntary benefit arrangements
and disposal costs, primarily contract termination costs, are
recorded when the benefits have been communicated to employ-
ees. One-time, voluntary benefit arrangements are recorded when
the employee accepts the offered benefit arrangement. We eval-
uate impairment issues if the carrying amount of an asset is not
recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the asset.
We estimate the expense for our restructuring initiatives, when
approved by the appropriate corporate authority, by accumulating
detailed estimates of costs for such plans. These expenses include
the estimated costs of employee severance and related benefits,
impairment of property, plant and equipment, contract termi-
nation payments for leases, and any other qualifying exit costs.
These estimated costs are grouped by specific projects within
the overall plan and are then monitored on a quarterly basis by
finance personnel. Such costs represent our best estimate, but
require assumptions about the programs that may change over
time, including attrition rates. Estimates are evaluated periodically
to determine if an adjustment is required.
Allowances for Doubtful AccountsReceivableRepresentatives contact their customers, selling primarily through
the use of brochures for each sales campaign. Sales campaigns are
generally for a two-week duration in the U.S. and a two- to four-
week duration outside the U.S. The Representative purchases
products directly from us and may or may not sell them to an end
user. In general, the Representative, an independent contractor,
remits a payment to us each sales campaign, which relates to the
prior campaign cycle. The Representative is generally precluded
from submitting an order for the current sales campaign until
the accounts receivable balance for the prior campaign is paid;
however, there are circumstances where the Representative fails to
make the required payment. We record an estimate of an allowance
A V O N 2009 23
PART II
for doubtful accounts on receivable balances based on an analysis
of historical data and current circumstances, including selling
schedules, business operations, seasonality and changing trends.
Over the past three years, annual bad debt expense has been
in the range of $164 to $222, or approximately 2.0% of total
revenue. Bad debt expense, as a percent of revenue increased by
0.3 points in 2009 as compared to 2008, caused by an influx of
new Representatives, who normally have a higher rate of default
than established Representatives, as well as economic conditions.
The allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed for adequacy,
at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. We generally have no
detailed information concerning, or any communication with,
any end user of our products beyond the Representative. We
have no legal recourse against the end user for the collectability
of any accounts receivable balances due from the Representative
to us. If the financial condition of our Representatives were to
deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make
payments, additional allowances may be required.
Allowances for Sales ReturnsWe record a provision for estimated sales returns based on histor-
ical experience with product returns. Over the past three years,
sales returns have been in the range of $335 to $375, or approx-
imately 3.5% of total revenue. If the historical data we use to
calculate these estimates does not approximate future returns,
due to changes in marketing or promotional strategies, or for
other reasons, additional allowances may be required.
Provisions for Inventory ObsolescenceWe record an allowance for estimated obsolescence equal to
the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated
market value. In determining the allowance for estimated
obsolescence, we classify inventory into various categories based
upon its stage in the product life cycle, future marketing sales
plans and the disposition process. We assign a degree of
obsolescence risk to products based on this classification to
determine the level of obsolescence provision. If actual sales are
less favorable than those projected by management, additional
inventory allowances may need to be recorded for such addi-
tional obsolescence. Annual obsolescence expense was $122.9
for 2009, $80.8 for 2008, and $280.6 for 2007. Obsolescence
expense for 2007 included incremental inventory obsolescence
charges of $167.3, related to our PLS program. Obsolescence
expense for 2008 benefited by approximately $13 from changes
in estimates to our disposition plan under our PLS program.
Pension, Postretirement andPostemployment ExpenseWe maintain defined benefit pension plans, which cover substan-
tially all employees in the U.S. and a portion of employees in
international locations. Additionally, we have unfunded supple-
mental pension benefit plans for some current and retired execu-
tives and provide retiree health care and life insurance benefits
subject to certain limitations to the majority of employees in the
U.S. and in some foreign countries. See Note 11, Employee
Benefit Plans, to our 2009 Annual Report for further information
on our benefit plans.
Pension plan expense and the requirements for funding our
major pension plans are determined based on a number of
actuarial assumptions. These assumptions include the expected
rate of return on pension plan assets and the discount rate
applied to pension plan obligations.
For 2009, the weighted average assumed rate of return on all
pension plan assets, including the U.S. and non-U.S. plans was
7.60%, compared to 7.66% for 2008. In determining the
long-term rates of return, we consider the nature of the plans’
investments, an expectation for the plans’ investment strategies,
historical rates of return and current economic forecasts. We
evaluate the expected long-term rate of return annually and
adjust as necessary.
The majority of our pension plan assets relate to the U.S. pension
plan. The assumed rate of return for 2009 for the U.S. plan was
8%, which was based on an asset allocation of approximately
37% in corporate and government bonds and mortgage-backed
securities (which are expected to earn approximately 4% to 6%
in the long term) and 63% in equity securities (which are
expected to earn approximately 7% to 10% in the long term).
Historical rates of return on the assets of the U.S. plan was 3.6%
for the most recent 10-year period and 8.0% for the 20-year
period. In the U.S. plan, our asset allocation policy has favored
U.S. equity securities, which have returned .3% over the 10-year
period and 8.4% over the 20-year period. The plan assets in the
U.S. returned 24.6% in 2009 and lost 26.2% in 2008.
The discount rate used for determining future pension obligations
for each individual plan is based on a review of long-term bonds
that receive a high-quality rating from a recognized rating agency.
The discount rates for our more significant plans, including our
U.S. plan, were based on the internal rates of return for a portfolio
of high quality bonds with maturities that are consistent with the
projected future benefit payment obligations of each plan.
The weighted-average discount rate for U.S. and non-U.S. plans
determined on this basis was 5.61% at December 31, 2009, and
6.11% at December 31, 2008. For the determination of the
expected rate of return on assets and the discount rate, we take
into consideration external actuarial advice.
Our funding requirements may be impacted by regulations or
interpretations thereof. Our calculations of pension, postretire-
ment and postemployment costs are dependent on the use of
assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on
plan assets discussed above, rate of compensation increase of
plan participants, interest cost, health care cost trend rates,
benefits earned, mortality rates, the number of associate retire-
ments, the number of associates electing to take lump-sum
payments and other factors. Actual results that differ from
assumptions are accumulated and amortized to expense over
future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized
expense in future periods. At December 31, 2009, we had pretax
actuarial losses and prior service credits totaling $429.5 for the
U.S. plans and $279.2 for the non-U.S. plans that have not yet
been charged to expense. These actuarial losses have been
charged to accumulated other comprehensive loss within share-
holders’ equity. While we believe that the assumptions used are
reasonable, differences in actual experience or changes in
assumptions may materially affect our pension, postretirement
and postemployment obligations and future expense. During
2008, the plan assets experienced significant losses, which were
mostly due to unfavorable returns on equity securities. These
unfavorable returns will increase pension cost in future periods.
For 2010, our assumption for the expected rate of return on
assets is 8.0% for our U.S. plans and 7.18% for our non-U.S.
plans. Our assumptions are reviewed and determined on an
annual basis.
A 50 basis point change (in either direction) in the expected
rate of return on plan assets, the discount rate or the rate of
compensation increases, would have had approximately the
following effect on 2009 pension expense:
Increase/(Decrease) inPension Expense
50 Basis Point
Increase Decrease
Rate of return on assets (5) 5
Discount rate (9) 9
Rate of compensation increase 1 (1)
TaxesWe record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax
assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized.
While we have considered projected future taxable income and
ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the
valuation allowance, in the event we were to determine that we
would be able to realize a net deferred tax asset in the future, in
excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the
deferred tax asset would increase earnings in the period such
determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we
would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax
asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would
decrease earnings in the period such determination was made.
Deferred taxes are not provided on the portion of unremitted
earnings of subsidiaries outside of the U.S. when we conclude
that these earnings are indefinitely reinvested. Deferred taxes are
provided on earnings not considered indefinitely reinvested.
We establish additional provisions for income taxes when,
despite the belief that our tax positions are fully supportable,
there remain some positions that are likely to be challenged and
may or may not be sustained on review by tax authorities. We
adjust these additional accruals in light of changing facts and
circumstances. We file income tax returns in many jurisdictions.
In 2010, a number of income tax returns are scheduled to close
by statute and it is possible that a number of tax examinations
may be completed. If our filing positions are ultimately upheld,
it is possible that the 2010 provision for income taxes may
reflect adjustments.
We recognize the benefit of a tax position, if that position is
more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the
technical merits of the position. We believe that our assessment
of more likely than not is reasonable, but because of the sub-
jectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject
matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be
incorrect, which could materially impact the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Share-based CompensationAll share-based payments to employees are recognized in the
Consolidated Financial Statements based on their fair values
using an option-pricing model at the date of grant. We use a
Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to calculate the fair
value of options. This model requires various judgmental
assumptions including volatility, forfeiture rates and expected
option life. If any of the assumptions used in the model change
significantly, share-based compensation may differ materially in
the future from historical results.
A V O N 2009 25
PART II
Loss ContingenciesWe determine whether to disclose and accrue for loss contingen-
cies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote,
reasonably possible or probable. Our assessment is developed
in consultation with our outside counsel and other advisors and is
based on an analysis of possible outcomes under various strategies.
Loss contingency assumptions involve judgments that are inherently
subjective and can involve matters that are in litigation, which, by
its nature is unpredictable. We believe that our assessment of the
probability of loss contingencies is reasonable, but because of the
subjectivity involved and the unpredictable nature of the subject
matter at issue, our assessment may prove ultimately to be incorrect,
which could materially impact the Consolidated Financial Statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – CONSOLIDATED
Favorable (Unfavorable)%/Point Change
2009 2008 20072009 vs.
20082008 vs.
2007
Total revenue $10,382.8 $10,690.1 $9,938.7 (3)% 8%Cost of sales 3,888.3 3,949.1 3,941.2 2% –%Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,476.3 5,401.7 5,124.8 (1)% (5)%Operating profit 1,018.2 1,339.3 872.7 (24)% 53%Interest expense 104.8 100.4 112.2 (4)% 11%Interest income (20.2) (37.1) (42.2) (46)% (12)%Other expense, net 7.1 37.7 6.6 * *Net income attributable to Avon $ 625.8 $ 875.3 $ 530.7 (29)% 65%Diluted earnings per share $ 1.45 $ 2.03 $ 1.21 (29)% 68%
Advertising expenses (1) $ 352.7 $ 390.5 $ 368.4 10% (6)%
Gross margin 62.6% 63.1% 60.3% (0.5) 2.8Selling, general and administrative expenses as
a % of total revenue 52.7% 50.5% 51.6% (2.2) 1.1Operating margin 9.8% 12.5% 8.8% (2.7) 3.7Effective tax rate 32.2% 29.3% 33.0% (2.9) 3.7
Units sold 3% 1%Active Representatives 9% 7%
* Calculation not meaningful
(1) Advertising expenses are included within selling, general and administrative expenses.
Total RevenueTotal revenue decreased 3% in 2009, with unfavorable foreign
exchange accounting for 9 percentage points of the revenue
decline. Constant $ revenue increased 6%, with increases in all
segments except North America and China. Active Representatives
increased 9%.
On a category basis, Constant $ Beauty sales increased 7%, while
Fashion increased 1% and Home increased 5%. Within the Beauty
category, Constant $ sales of skincare decreased 1%, fragrance
increased 8%, personal care increased 9% and color cosmetics
increased 13%. On a reported basis, the decrease in revenue for
2009 was primarily driven by a decrease of 3% in Beauty sales,
with decreases in all sub-categories of Beauty except color cosmet-
ics. Within the Beauty category, skincare declined 8%, fragrance
declined 2%, personal care declined 1% and color cosmetics
increased 3%. Fashion sales decreased 5% and Home sales
decreased 1%.
Total revenue increased 8% in 2008, with foreign exchange con-
tributing 3 percentage points to the revenue growth. Revenue
grew in all segments, except North America. Revenue growth was
driven by an increase of 7% in Active Representatives.
On a category basis, the 2008 increase in revenue was primarily
driven by an increase of 10% in Beauty sales, with increases in all
sub-categories of Beauty. Within the Beauty category, skin care
grew 10%, fragrance grew 9%, personal care grew 9% and color
cosmetics grew 11%. Fashion sales increased 6%, while Home
sales decreased 3%. On a category basis, Constant $ Beauty sales
increased 7%, while Fashion increased 5% and Home decreased
4%. Within the Beauty category, Constant $ sales of skincare
increased 6%, fragrance increased 8%, personal care increased
7% and color cosmetics increased 8%.
For additional discussion of the changes in revenue by segment,
see the “Segment Review” section of this MD&A.
Gross MarginGross margin for 2009 decreased by 0.5 points. The unfavorable
impact of foreign exchange transactions lowered gross margin by
an estimated 1.7 points for 2009. A portion of this negative impact
from foreign exchange transactions was offset through strong
manufacturing productivity gains which includes benefits from SSI
and strategic price increases. 2008 gross margin included benefits
of approximately $13 of reduced obsolescence from changes in
estimates to our disposition plan under our PLS program.
Gross margin increased 2.8 points in 2008 as compared to 2007,
primarily due to a decrease in inventory obsolescence provisions
in 2008, which benefited gross margin by 2.0 points, and from
increased pricing and favorable product mix, which benefited
gross margin by 1.3 points. These benefits to gross margin were
partially offset by higher commodity costs and the unfavorable
impact of foreign exchange on product cost in Europe. 2007
included incremental inventory obsolescence charges of $167.3
related to our PLS program. Obsolescence expense for 2008 also
benefited by approximately $13 from changes in estimates to
our disposition plan under our PLS program.
Selling, General and AdministrativeExpensesSelling, general and administrative expenses increased $74.6
during 2009 as compared to 2008, due to higher costs incurred
under our restructuring initiatives, partially offset by lower adver-
tising costs. We recorded charges under our 2005 and 2009
Restructuring Programs of $164.7 during 2009, as compared to
$57.5 during 2008.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $276.9
during 2008 as compared to 2007, primarily due to the following:
• higher investments in RVP and advertising of approximately
$105;
• higher variable expenses such as freight from increased sales
volume and brochure costs;
• higher overhead primarily due to higher marketing costs; and
• the impact of foreign exchange.
These higher costs during 2008 as compared to 2007 were parti-
ally offset by lower costs incurred to implement our restructuring
initiatives of $99.8, due to costs associated with previously
approved initiatives.
See the “Segment Review” section of MD&A for additional
information related to changes in operating margin by segment.
Other ExpensesInterest expense increased by 4% in 2009 as compared to 2008,
due to increased borrowings, partially offset by lower interest
rates. Interest expense decreased by 11% in 2008 as compared
to 2007, primarily due to lower domestic interest rates. At
December 31, 2009, we held interest-rate swap agreements that
effectively converted approximately 82% of our outstanding
long-term, fixed-rate borrowings to a variable interest rate based
on LIBOR, as compared to 50% at December 31, 2008.
Interest income decreased in both 2009 and 2008, primarily due
to lower interest rates.
Other expense, net for 2009 was lower than during 2008 as a
result of lower foreign exchange losses. Other expense, net
increased in 2008, primarily due to net foreign exchange losses
in 2008, as compared to foreign exchange gains in 2007.
Effective Tax RateThe effective tax rate for 2009 was 32.2%, compared to 29.3%
for 2008 and 33.0% for 2007.
The effective tax rate for 2009 was unfavorably impacted by
3.4 points from the establishment of a valuation allowance against
certain deferred tax assets primarily as a result of restructuring
activities, partially offset by 2.4 points from a reduction in a foreign
tax liability. The 2009 rate also included a higher tax cost associated
with the repatriation of current year earnings offset by favorable
changes in the earnings mix of international subsidiaries.
The effective tax rate for 2008 was favorably impacted by 3.8
points due to an audit settlement, partially offset by 1.2 points
from the establishment of a valuation allowance against certain
deferred tax assets. The 2008 rate also benefited from changes
in the earnings mix of international subsidiaries.
The effective tax rate for 2007 was favorably impacted by 2.0
points due to the net release of valuation allowances, partially off-
set by the unfavorable impact of restructuring and PLS initiatives.
A V O N 2009 27
PART II
SEGMENT REVIEW
Below is an analysis of the key factors affecting revenue and operating profit by reportable segment for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 2009.
Years ended December 31 2009 2008 2007
TotalRevenue
OperatingProfit
TotalRevenue
OperatingProfit
TotalRevenue
OperatingProfit
Latin America $ 4,103.2 $ 647.9 $ 3,884.1 $ 690.3 $3,298.9 $ 483.1
North America 2,262.7 110.4 2,492.7 213.9 2,622.1 213.1
Central & Eastern Europe 1,500.1 244.9 1,719.5 346.2 1,577.8 296.1
Western Europe, Middle East &
Africa 1,277.8 84.2 1,351.7 121.0 1,308.6 33.9
Asia Pacific 885.6 74.2 891.2 102.4 850.8 64.3
China 353.4 20.1 350.9 17.7 280.5 2.0
Total from operations 10,382.8 1,181.7 10,690.1 1,491.5 9,938.7 1,092.5
Global and other expenses – (163.5) – (152.2) – (219.8)
Total $10,382.8 $1,018.2 $10,690.1 $1,339.3 $9,938.7 $ 872.7
Global and other expenses include, among other things, costs
related to our executive and administrative offices, information
technology, research and development, and marketing. Certain
planned global expenses are allocated to our business segments
primarily based on planned revenue. The unallocated costs remain as
global and other expenses. We do not allocate costs of implementing
restructuring initiatives related to our global functions to our
segments. Costs of implementing restructuring initiatives related
to a specific segment are recorded within that segment.
2009 2008 % Change 2008 2007 % Change
Total global expenses $ 577.3 $ 534.5 8% $ 534.5 $ 552.6 3%
Allocated to segments (413.8) (382.3) 8% (382.3) (332.8) 15%
Net global expenses $ 163.5 $ 152.2 7% $ 152.2 $ 219.8 31%
The increase in total global expenses for 2009 was primarily
attributable to higher legal and information technology related
costs. The increase in amounts allocated to segments for 2009 is a
result of a change in the mix of expenses which are allocated to
the segments and higher global expenses.
The increase in the amounts allocated to the segments in 2008
was primarily due to higher global marketing and research and
development costs, higher information technology costs and
higher costs related to global initiatives. The decrease in net global
expenses was primarily due to lower costs to implement restructur-
ing initiatives and lower professional service fees associated with
our PLS initiative.
Latin America – 2009 Compared to 2008
%/Point Change
2009 2008 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $4,103.2 $3,884.1 6% 16%
Operating profit 647.9 690.3 (6)% 2%
Operating margin 15.8% 17.8% (2.0) (2.0)
Units sold 6%
Active Representatives 10%
Total revenue increased for 2009 reflecting growth in Active
Representatives, driven by continued investments in RVP, and a
higher average order, offset by unfavorable foreign exchange.
Revenue increased 9% in Brazil and declined 11% in Mexico for
2009. Constant $ revenue for 2009 benefited from growth in all
markets, particularly from increases of 17% in Brazil and 8% in
Mexico. Revenue in Venezuela for 2009 grew 18% in both
Constant $ and U.S. dollars. Revenue in Venezuela will be
negatively impacted in future periods by the change in the official
exchange rate discussed below.
Constant $ revenue growth in Brazil for 2009 was primarily
driven by an increase in Active Representatives, as well as a higher
average order. Constant $ revenue growth in Mexico for 2009
was driven by a significant increase in Active Representatives,
partially offset by a lower average order, reflecting a difficult
economic climate. Revenue growth in Venezuela for 2009 reflected
increased prices due to inflation.
The decrease in operating margin in Latin America for 2009 was
primarily due to an estimated 2 point negative impact of unfavor-
able foreign exchange transactions, which includes the cost of
our Venezuelan subsidiary settling certain U.S. dollar-denominated
liabilities through transactions with non-government sources
where the exchange rate is less favorable than the official rate
(the “parallel market”). Additionally, higher costs to implement
restructuring initiatives during 2009 negatively impacted operating
margin by 0.7 points, as these costs impacted operating margin by
0.9 points in 2009 and 0.2 points in 2008. Partially offsetting
these negative impacts was the benefit of higher revenues and
fixed overhead expense.
Currency restrictions enacted by the Venezuelan government in
2003 have impacted the ability of our subsidiary in Venezuela
(“Avon Venezuela”) to obtain foreign currency at the official rate
to pay for imported products. Unless official foreign exchange is
made more readily available, Avon Venezuela’s operations will
continue to be negatively impacted as it will need to obtain more
of its foreign currency needs from the parallel market. During
2009, the exchange rate in the parallel market generally aver-
aged from 5 to 6 bolivars to the U.S. dollar, compared to the
official rate of 2.15 during 2009.
At December 31, 2009, Avon Venezuela had cash balances of
approximately $104 translated at the December 31, 2009 official
rate, of which approximately $83 was denominated in bolivars
and $21 was denominated in U.S. dollars. The last dividends
repatriated to the U.S. were during 2007, when Avon Venezuela
remitted dividends of approximately $40 at the official exchange
rate. Avon Venezuela continues to receive official foreign exchange
for some of its imports and other remittances. In 2009, we
continued to use the official rate to translate the financial state-
ments of Avon Venezuela into U.S. dollars. During 2009, Avon
Venezuela’s revenue and operating profit represented approx-
imately 5% and 9% of Avon’s consolidated revenue and Avon’s
consolidated operating profit, respectively.
Inflation in Venezuela has been at high levels over the past few
years. Avon uses the blended Consumer Price Index and National
Consumer Price Index to determine whether Venezuela is a
highly inflationary economy. Effective with the beginning of its
2010 fiscal year, Avon will treat Venezuela as a highly inflationary
economy for accounting purposes. When an entity operates in a
highly inflationary economy, exchange gains and losses associated
with monetary assets and liabilities and deferred income taxes
resulting from changes in the exchange rate are recorded in
income. Nonmonetary assets, which include inventories and
property, plant and equipment, are carried forward at their
historical dollar cost.
Effective January 11, 2010, the Venezuelan government devalued
its currency and moved to a two-tier exchange structure. The
official exchange rate moved from 2.15 to 2.60 for essential
goods and to 4.30 for non-essential goods and services. Although
no official rules have yet been issued, most of Avon’s imports are
expected to fall into the non-essential classification. As a result
of the change in the official rate to 4.30, Avon anticipates it will
record a one-time, after-tax loss of approximately $50 million in
the first quarter of 2010, primarily reflecting the write-down of
monetary assets and deferred tax benefits. Additionally, certain
nonmonetary assets are carried at historic dollar cost subsequent
to the devaluation. Therefore, these costs will impact the income
statement during 2010 as they will not be devalued based on
the new exchange rates, but will be expensed at the historic
dollar value. As a result of using the historic dollar cost basis of
nonmonetary assets acquired prior to the devaluation, such as
inventory, 2010 operating profit and net income will additionally
be negatively impacted by approximately $85 million, primarily
during the first half of the year, for the difference between the
historical cost at the previous official exchange rate of 2.15 and
the new official exchange rate of 4.30. In addition, revenue and
operating profit for Avon’s Venezuela operations will be neg-
atively impacted when translated into dollars at the new official
exchange rate. This would be partially offset by the favorable
impact of any operating performance improvements. Results for
periods prior to 2010 will not be impacted by the change in
accounting treatment of Venezuela as a highly inflationary
economy or by the change in the official rate in January of 2010.
Latin America – 2008 Compared to 2007
%/Point Change
2008 2007 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $3,884.1 $3,298.9 18% 14%
Operating profit 690.3 483.1 43% 38%
Operating margin 17.8% 14.6% 3.2 3.0
Units sold 4%
Active Representatives 6%
A V O N 2009 29
PART II
Total revenue increased for 2008, driven by a larger average
order and growth in Active Representatives, as well as favorable
foreign exchange. Growth in Active Representatives reflected
significant investments in RVP and a continued high level of
investment in advertising. Revenue for 2008 benefited from
continued growth in substantially all markets. In particular,
during 2008, revenue grew 24% in Brazil, 36% in Venezuela,
5% in Mexico and 3% in Colombia. Revenue growth in Brazil was
driven by higher average order, growth in Active Representatives
and the impact of foreign exchange. Revenue growth in Venezuela
was driven by higher average order, while revenue in Mexico
benefited from growth in Active Representatives. We experienced a
deceleration of growth in Colombia during the second half of
2008 due to economic conditions as well as competition.
The increase in operating margin in Latin America for 2008 was
primarily due to the impact of higher revenues, increased pricing,
lower inventory obsolescence expense, and lower costs to
implement restructuring initiatives. These benefits to margin
were partially offset by higher investments in RVP. Operating
margin for 2007 benefited from the recognition of unclaimed
sales-related tax credits.
North America – 2009 Compared to 2008
%/Point Change
2009 2008 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $2,262.7 $2,492.7 (9)% (9)%
Operating profit 110.4 213.9 (48)% (48)%
Operating margin 4.9% 8.6% (3.7) (3.6)
Units sold (7)%
Active Representatives 3%
North America consists largely of our U.S. business.
Total revenue for 2009 was negatively impacted by the con-
tinued recessionary pressure, as a lower average order received
from Representatives more than offset an increase in Active
Representatives. Average order remains challenging, particularly
in our non-beauty categories. Sales of non-Beauty products
declined 13% in 2009, consistent with the general retail
environment. Sales of Beauty products declined 6% in 2009.
The growth in Active Representatives during 2009 reflected our
ongoing recruiting and training efforts. Given the economic
environment, we expect continued pressure on our results in
North America in 2010.
Higher costs to implement restructuring initiatives negatively
impacted operating margin for 2009 by 1.3 points, as these
costs impacted 2009 operating margin by 1.8 points as com-
pared to 0.5 points in 2008. Lower revenues with fixed overhead
expense and higher obsolescence expense also lowered operat-
ing margin in 2009.
North America – 2008 Compared to 2007
%/Point Change
2008 2007 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $2,492.7 $2,622.1 (5)% (5)%
Operating profit 213.9 213.1 0% 1%
Operating margin 8.6% 8.1% .5 .5
Units sold (4)%
Active Representatives 2%
North America consists largely of our U.S. business.
Revenue for 2008 was impacted by the macroeconomic environ-
ment, including deteriorating consumer confidence and higher
year-over-year fuel prices. Sales of non-Beauty products declined
9% in 2008, consistent with the general retail environment.
Sales of Beauty products declined 1% in 2008.
Total revenue decreased for 2008, as the lower average order
received from Representatives more than offset an increase in
Active Representatives. Growth in Active Representatives benefited
from continued investments in RVP, including more frequent
brochure distribution in Canada, and recruiting advertising.
The decline in average order was in large part due to customer
demand for non-beauty products slowing markedly in the
recessionary environment.
The increase in operating margin for 2008 was primarily driven
by lower obsolescence and overhead expenses. These benefits to
operating margin were partially offset by higher variable selling
costs, including paper for the brochure, bad debt and transpor-
tation, and the impact of lower revenue.
Central & Eastern Europe – 2009Compared to 2008
%/Point Change
2009 2008 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $1,500.1 $1,719.5 (13)% 9%
Operating profit 244.9 346.2 (29)% (12)%
Operating margin 16.3% 20.1% (3.8) (3.8)
Units sold 2%
Active Representatives 10%
Total revenue decreased for 2009, impacted by unfavorable foreign
exchange. Constant $ revenue for 2009 increased despite con-
tinued recessionary pressure throughout the region, reflecting
growth in Active Representatives, driven by investments in RVP and
brochures as well as strong marketing offers. While the impact
of unfavorable foreign exchange rates drove revenue declines of
7% in Russia and 19% in Ukraine for 2009, Constant $ revenue
grew 18% in Russia and 20% in Ukraine.
The Constant $ revenue increase in Russia for 2009 was primarily
due to strong growth in Active Representatives. In late 2008, we
completed the roll-out of Sales Leadership and improved the
discount structure we offered Representatives in Russia. The
Constant $ revenue increase in Ukraine for 2009 was primarily
due to growth in Active Representatives and a higher average
order due to increased pricing from inflation, partially offset by
the negative impact of recent economic conditions.
The decrease in operating margin for 2009 was primarily driven
by the unfavorable impacts of foreign exchange transactions,
which negatively impacted operating margin by an estimated 5
points. Higher costs to implement restructuring initiatives neg-
atively impacted operating margin for 2009 by 1.6 points, as
these costs impacted 2009 operating margin by 1.8 points as
compared to 0.2 points in 2008. Partially offsetting these
unfavorable items were lower advertising costs in 2009 and the
benefit of higher Constant $ revenues with fixed overhead expenses.
Operating margin for 2009 was also negatively impacted by
higher obsolescence expense in 2009, as the 2008 period bene-
fited from an adjustment to inventory obsolescence reserve due
to changes in our estimates to our disposition plan of products
reserved for under PLS.
Central & Eastern Europe – 2008Compared to 2007
%/Point Change
2008 2007 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $1,719.5 $1,577.8 9% 4%
Operating profit 346.2 296.1 17% 11%
Operating margin 20.1% 18.8% 1.3 1.1
Units sold 2%
Active Representatives 12%
Beginning at the end of June 2007, we provided our Representa-
tives with additional selling opportunities through more frequent
brochure distribution, which encourages more frequent customer
contact. Active representative growth during the first half of 2008
benefited from the increased brochure distribution frequency.
Total revenue increased for 2008, reflecting growth in Active
Representatives, as well as favorable foreign exchange, partially
offset by a lower average order. Average order was impacted by
a lower average order during the first half of 2008 as our Repre-
sentatives transitioned to the shorter selling cycle. Average order
during the second half of 2008 declined to a much lesser degree
as compared to the first half of 2008.
For 2008, the region’s revenue growth benefited from increases
in Russia of 8%, as well as growth in other markets in the region,
led by Ukraine with growth of over 20%. The revenue increase
in Russia for 2008 was primarily due to strong growth in Active
Representatives, as well as favorable foreign exchange. We
completed the roll-out of Sales Leadership and improved the
discount structure we offer Representatives in Russia near the
end of the third quarter of 2008.
The increase in operating margin for 2008 was primarily driven
by the impact of higher revenue, lower inventory obsolescence
expense and increased pricing, partially offset by higher spend-
ing on RVP and advertising, and the impact of unfavorable
foreign exchange on product cost.
Western Europe, Middle East & Africa –2009 Compared to 2008
%/Point Change
2009 2008 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $1,277.8 $1,351.7 (5)% 6%
Operating profit 84.2 121.0 (30)% (22)%
Operating margin 6.6% 8.9% (2.3) (2.1)
Units sold 8%
Active Representatives 10%
Total revenue decreased for 2009, impacted by unfavorable
foreign exchange. Constant $ revenue increased for 2009 as a
result of growth in Active Representatives, offset by a lower
average order reflecting continued recessionary pressure. Active
Representatives growth for 2009 benefited by one point due to
the acquisition of a small distributor in Saudi Arabia during the
second quarter of 2009. This acquisition had minimal impact on
the financial results. Revenue declined 16% in the United Kingdom
during 2009, due to the negative impact of foreign exchange.
Constant $ revenue in the United Kingdom declined 1% during
2009, as strong merchandising of “smart value” products coun-
tered the recessionary pressure. Revenue in Turkey increased 2%
during 2009. Turkey’s Constant $ revenue increased 21% during
2009, reflecting an increase in Active Representatives, driven by
investments in RVP and Sales Leadership.
A V O N 2009 31
PART II
The decrease in operating margin for 2009 was primarily driven
by unfavorable foreign exchange, including the impacts of
foreign exchange transactions as well as translation, which
negatively impacted operating margin by an estimated 3 points.
Additionally, higher costs to implement restructuring initiatives
negatively impacted operating margin by .7 points, as these costs
impacted 2009 operating margin by 2.5 points as compared to 1.8
points in 2008. Partially offsetting these unfavorable items were
lower overhead expenses in 2009.
Western Europe, Middle East & Africa –2008 Compared to 2007
%/Point Change
2008 2007 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $1,351.7 $1,308.6 3% 6%
Operating profit 121.0 33.9 * *
Operating margin 8.9% 2.6% 6.3 6.8
Units sold (3)%
Active Representatives 4%
* Calculation not meaningful
Total revenue increased for 2008 due to growth in Active Repre-
sentatives and a higher average order, partially offset by unfavor-
able foreign exchange. Revenue growth for 2008 was driven by
Italy and Turkey.
Revenue in the United Kingdom in 2008 declined 3% due to
unfavorable foreign exchange. Revenue in the United Kingdom
in Constant $ increased, driven by an increase in Active Repre-
sentatives, benefiting from investments in representative recruit-
ing. Revenue in the United Kingdom also benefited from the
continued roll-out of PLS and strong merchandising. Revenue
growth in Turkey of 8% for 2008 was due to a larger average
order. Revenue in Turkey also benefited from continued high
levels of investments in advertising and RVP. Revenue in Italy in
2008 increased due to growth in Active Representatives.
The increase in operating margin for 2008 was primarily driven
by lower costs to implement restructuring initiatives, the impact
of higher revenue, lower inventory obsolescence expense, lower
overhead expenses and increased pricing. These benefits to oper-
ating margin were partially offset by the impact of unfavorable
foreign exchange on product cost and higher spending on RVP
and advertising.
Asia Pacific – 2009 Compared to 2008
%/Point Change
2009 2008 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $885.6 $891.2 (1)% 2%
Operating profit 74.2 102.4 (28)% (25)%
Operating margin 8.4% 11.5% (3.1) (2.8)
Units sold 3%
Active Representatives 6%
Total revenue decreased for 2009, impacted by unfavorable for-
eign exchange. Constant $ revenue increased for 2009 as a
result of growth in Active Representatives, offset by a lower
average order. Revenue in the Philippines increased 6%, while
Constant $ revenue increased by 14%, driven by growth in
Active Representatives, supported by RVP initiatives. Revenue in
Japan for 2009 decreased 2%, while Constant $ revenue
declined 12%, due to lower revenues from both direct mail and
direct selling. We continue to see downward pressure on our
results in Japan.
The decrease in operating margin for 2009 was primarily driven
by unfavorable foreign exchange, including the impacts of for-
eign exchange transactions as well as translation, which neg-
atively impacted operating margin by an estimated 2 points.
Additionally, higher costs to implement restructuring initiatives
negatively impacted operating margin by 2.1 points, as these
costs impacted 2009 operating margin by 2.2 points as com-
pared to .1 points in 2008. Partially offsetting these items were
the benefits of growth derived from higher margin markets.
Asia Pacific – 2008 Compared to 2007
%/Point Change
2008 2007 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $891.2 $850.8 5% 0%
Operating profit 102.4 64.3 59% 54%
Operating margin 11.5% 7.6% 3.9 4.0
Units sold 0%
Active Representatives 4%
Total revenue increased for 2008 due to foreign exchange. Reve-
nue growth in the Philippines of almost 20%, was primarily due
to growth in Active Representatives, supported by RVP initiatives,
as well as favorable foreign exchange. Revenue in Japan increased
slightly due to foreign exchange. Revenue in Japan in Constant $
declined in 2008 due to lower sales from both direct mail and
direct selling. Revenue in Taiwan declined in 2008, reflecting the
impact of a field restructuring and economic weakness, partially
offset by favorable foreign exchange.
Operating margin increased for 2008, primarily due to the
impact of lower inventory obsolescence expense, increased pric-
ing and lower overhead expenses, partially offset by higher
spending on RVP and an unfavorable mix of products sold.
China – 2009 Compared to 2008
%/Point Change
2009 2008 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $353.4 $350.9 1% (1)%
Operating profit 20.1 17.7 14% 12%
Operating margin 5.7% 5.0% .7 .7
Units sold 3%
Active Representatives 32%
Total revenue increased during 2009 due to the impact of favor-
able foreign exchange and an increase in Active Representatives,
partially offset by a lower average order. Revenue from Beauty
Boutiques decreased by over 40% for 2009, reflecting the
continued complex evolution towards direct selling in this hybrid
business model, which is unique to this market. Revenue growth
from direct selling increased 24% during 2009. Our near-term
outlook for China remains challenged during our strategic
transition. We remain optimistic about our long-term revenue
and operating profit opportunities.
The increase in operating margin for 2009 was primarily driven
by lower advertising costs and cost saving initiatives. A lower
gross margin offset these operating margin benefits for 2009.
Additionally, the 2008 operating margin was negatively impacted
by costs associated with the 2008 earthquake and floods.
For information concerning an internal investigation into our
China operations, see Risk Factors and Note 15, Contingencies.
China – 2008 Compared to 2007
%/Point Change
2008 2007 US$ Constant $
Total revenue $350.9 $280.5 25% 14%
Operating profit 17.7 2.0 * *
Operating margin 5.0% .7% 4.3 4.1
Units sold 2%
Active Representatives 79%
* Calculation not meaningful
Revenue in China increased for 2008, primarily due to an
increase in Active Representatives, partially offset by a lower
average order. The growth in Active Representatives reflected
continued expansion of our direct-selling efforts, which were
supported with significant Representative recruiting, television
advertising and field incentives. The lower average order resulted
from the continued expansion of direct selling, as Representa-
tives order in smaller quantities than beauty boutiques, and
orders from new Representatives tend to be smaller than the
average direct-selling order. Beauty boutique ordering activity
levels have remained steady during this extended period of
direct-selling expansion, as our beauty boutique operators con-
tinue to service our Representatives.
The increase in operating margin for 2008 was primarily driven
by the impact of higher revenue and lower product costs, parti-
ally offset by ongoing higher spending on RVP and advertising
and costs associated with the 2008 earthquake and floods.
Operating margin for 2007 benefited from higher reductions in
reserves for statutory liabilities.
Liquidity And Capital Resources
Our principal sources of funds historically have been cash flows
from operations, commercial paper and borrowings under lines of
credit. We currently believe that existing cash, cash from oper-
ations (including the impacts of cash required for restructuring
initiatives) and available sources of public and private financing
are adequate to meet anticipated requirements for working
capital, dividends, capital expenditures, the share repurchase
program, possible acquisitions and other cash needs in the short
and long term.
We may, from time to time, seek to repurchase our equity or to
retire our outstanding debt in open market purchases, privately
negotiated transactions, derivative instruments or otherwise.
During 2009, we repurchased approximately .4 million shares of
our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approx-
imately $8.6. During 2008, we repurchased approximately 4.6
million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase
price of approximately $172.
Retirements of debt will depend on prevailing market conditions,
our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other
factors, and the amounts involved may be material. We may also
elect to incur additional debt or issue equity or convertible securities
to finance ongoing operations, acquisitions or to meet our other
liquidity needs.
A V O N 2009 33
PART II
Any issuances of equity securities or convertible securities could
have a dilutive effect on the ownership interest of our current
shareholders and may adversely impact earnings per share in
future periods.
Our liquidity could also be impacted by dividends, capital expen-
ditures and acquisitions. At any given time, we may be in discus-
sions and negotiations with potential acquisition candidates.
Acquisitions may be accretive or dilutive and by their nature
involve numerous risks and uncertainties. See our Cautionary
Statement for purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Statement under
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Balance Sheet Data
2009 2008
Cash and cash equivalents $1,311.6 $1,104.7Total debt 2,445.9 2,487.6Working capital 1,914.5 644.7
Cash Flows
2009 2008 2007
Net cash from operatingactivities $ 782.0 $ 748.1 $ 589.8
Net cash from investingactivities (218.9) (403.4) (287.2)
Net cash from financingactivities (361.8) (141.5) (597.1)
Effect of exchange ratechanges on cash andequivalents 5.6 (61.9) 59.0
Net Cash from Operating ActivitiesNet cash provided by operating activities during 2009 was $33.9
higher than during 2008, primarily due to favorable comparisons
to 2008, which included the timing of payments relating to our
restructuring programs, a cash payment of $38.0 upon settle-
ment of treasury lock agreements associated with our 2008 debt
issuance, higher incentive based compensation payments related
to our 2006-2007 Turnaround Incentive Plan and the impact of
advance purchases of paper for brochures in 2008. Offsetting
these favorable comparisons, are net unfavorable working capi-
tal movements in accounts receivable as compared to 2008 and
additional payments of value added taxes in Brazil that we
expect to recover in the future.
Inventory levels increased during 2009, to $1,067.5 at Decem-
ber 31, 2009, from $1,007.9 at December 31, 2008, primarily
reflecting the impact of foreign exchange and business growth
offset by operational improvements. New inventory life cycle
management processes leveraged with initiatives such as PLS, SSI,
ERP implementation and the Sales and Operations Planning
process are expected to improve inventory levels in the long-term.
Inventory days are up 7 days in 2009 as compared to 2008, due to
the impact of foreign exchange. We expect our initiatives to help
us deliver operational improvements of three to five inventory day
reductions per year for the next two to three years.
We maintain defined benefit pension plans and unfunded supple-
mental pension benefit plans (see Note 11, Employee Benefit
Plans). Our funding policy for these plans is based on legal
requirements and cash flows. The amounts necessary to fund
future obligations under these plans could vary depending on
estimated assumptions (as detailed in “Critical Accounting Esti-
mates”). The future funding for these plans will depend on eco-
nomic conditions, employee demographics, mortality rates, the
number of associates electing to take lump-sum distributions,
investment performance and funding decisions. Based on current
assumptions, we expect to make contributions in the range of
$15 to $20 to our U.S. pension plans and in the range of $30 to
$40 to our international pension plans during 2010.
Net cash provided by operating activities during 2008 was
$158.3 higher than during 2007, primarily due to higher cash-
related net income in 2008, favorable impacts of inventory and
accounts receivable balances and lower contributions to retire-
ment-related plans in 2008. These cash inflows were partially
offset by the unfavorable impact of the accounts payable bal-
ance, additional payments of value added taxes due to a tax law
change in Brazil that we began to recover during the fourth
quarter of 2008, higher incentive-based compensation pay-
ments in 2008 related to our 2006-2007 Turnaround Incentive
Plan and a payment of $38.0 upon settlement of treasury lock
agreements associated with our $500 debt issuance during the
first quarter of 2008.
Net Cash from Investing ActivitiesNet cash used by investing activities during 2009 was $184.5
lower than 2008, primarily due to the redemption of certain
corporate-owned life insurance policies in 2009 and lower capi-
tal expenditures. Net cash used by investing activities during
2008 was $116.2 higher than 2007, primarily due to higher
capital expenditures. Net cash used by investing activities during
2007 included a payment associated with an acquisition of a
licensee in Egypt.
Capital expenditures during 2009 were $296.9 compared with
$380.5 in 2008. This decrease resulted from our efforts to pre-
serve capital. Capital expenditures during 2008 were $380.5
compared with $278.5 in 2007. This increase was primarily
driven by capital spending in 2008 for the construction of new
distribution facilities in North America and Latin America, and
information systems (including the continued development of the
ERP system). Capital expenditures in 2010 are currently expected
to be approximately $350 and will be funded by cash from oper-
ations. These expenditures will include investments for capacity
expansion, modernization of existing facilities, continued con-
struction of new distribution facilities in Latin America and
information systems.
Net Cash from Financing ActivitiesNet cash used by financing activities of $361.8 during 2009,
compared unfavorably to cash used by financing activities of
$141.5 during 2008. During 2009, we repaid $958.5 of commer-
cial paper and other debt as compared to $290.8 during 2008. In
2009, we received proceeds from the $850 debt issuance during
March 2009 as compared to a $500 debt issuance during 2008.
Additionally, during 2009 we repurchased $8.6 of common stock
as compared to $172.1 in 2008.
Net cash used by financing activities during 2008 was $455.6
lower than during 2007, primarily due to lower repurchases of
common stock during 2008.
We purchased approximately .4 million shares of our common
stock for $8.6 during 2009, as compared to 4.6 million shares for
$172.1 during 2008 and 17.3 million shares for $666.8 during
2007, under our previously announced share repurchase programs
and through acquisition of stock from employees in connection
with tax payments upon vesting of restricted stock units. In Octo-
ber 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of
$2,000.0 of our common stock over a five-year period, which
began in December 2007.
We increased our quarterly dividend payments to $.21 per share in
2009 from $.20 per share in 2008. In February 2010, our Board
approved an increase in the quarterly dividend to $.22 per share.
Debt and Contractual Financial Obligations and CommitmentsAt December 31, 2009, our debt and contractual financial obligations and commitments by due dates were as follows:
2010 2011 2012 2013 20142015 and
Beyond Total
Short-term debt $122.8 $ – $ – $ – $ – $ – $ 122.8
Long-term debt – 500.0 – 375.0 500.0 850.0 2,225.0
Capital lease obligations 15.3 11.6 12.2 5.5 5.6 37.2 87.4
Total debt 138.1 511.6 12.2 380.5 505.6 887.2 2,435.2
Debt-related interest 122.5 97.6 96.2 82.2 54.4 53.7 506.6
Total debt-related 260.6 609.2 108.4 462.7 560.0 940.9 2,941.8
Operating leases 92.1 63.9 47.1 21.7 15.8 37.7 278.3
Purchase obligations 163.5 70.0 59.0 38.3 34.8 17.5 383.1
Benefit obligations (1) 53.4 11.4 11.7 10.3 9.7 66.4 162.9
Total debt and contractual
financial obligations and
commitments (2) $569.6 $754.5 $226.2 $533.0 $620.3 $1,062.5 $3,766.1
(1) Amounts represent expected future benefit payments for our unfunded pension and postretirement benefit plans, as well as expected contributions for 2010to our funded pension benefit plans.
(2) The amount of debt and contractual financial obligations and commitments excludes amounts due under derivative transactions. The table also excludesinformation on recurring purchases of inventory as these purchase orders are non-binding, are generally consistent from year to year, and are short-term innature. The table does not include any reserves for income taxes because we are unable to reasonably predict the ultimate amount or timing of settlement ofour reserves for income taxes. At December 31, 2009, our reserves for income taxes, including interest and penalties, totaled $133.4.
See Note 4, Debt and Other Financing, and Note 13, Leases and Commitments, to our 2009 Annual Report for further information on our
debt and contractual financial obligations and commitments. Additionally, as disclosed in Note 14, Restructuring Initiatives, we have a
remaining liability of $149.1 at December 31, 2009, associated with the restructuring charges recorded to date under the 2005 and 2009
Restructuring Programs, and we also expect to record additional restructuring charges of $20.9 in future periods to implement the actions
approved to date. The significant majority of these liabilities will require cash payments during 2010.
A V O N 2009 35
PART II
Off Balance Sheet ArrangementsAt December 31, 2009, we had no material off-balance-sheet
arrangements.
Capital ResourcesWe maintain a five-year, $1,000.0 revolving credit and competi-
tive advance facility (the “credit facility”), which expires in Jan-
uary 2011. The credit facility may be used for general corporate
purposes. The interest rate on borrowings under this credit facil-
ity is based on LIBOR or on the higher of prime or 1/2% plus the
federal funds rate. The credit facility has an annual fee of $.7,
payable quarterly, based on our current credit ratings. The credit
facility contains various covenants, including a financial covenant
which requires our interest coverage ratio (determined in relation
to our consolidated pretax income and interest expense) to equal
or exceed 4:1. The credit facility also provides for possible
increases by up to an aggregate incremental principal amount of
$250.0, subject to the consent of the affected lenders under the
credit facility. At December 31, 2009, there were no amounts
outstanding under the credit facility.
We also maintain a $1,000.0 commercial paper program. Under
this program, we may issue from time to time unsecured promis-
sory notes in the commercial paper market in private placements
exempt from registration under federal and state securities laws,
for a cumulative face amount not to exceed $1,000.0 outstand-
ing at any one time and with maturities not exceeding 270 days
from the date of issue. The commercial paper short-term notes
issued under the program are not redeemable prior to maturity
and are not subject to voluntary prepayment. The commercial
paper program is supported by our credit facility. Outstanding
commercial paper effectively reduces the amount available for
borrowing under the credit facility. At December 31, 2009, there
were no amounts outstanding under this program.
In March 2009, we issued $850.0 principal amount of notes
payable in a public offering. $500.0 of the notes bear interest at a
per annum coupon rate equal to 5.625%, payable semi-annually,
and mature on March 1, 2014, unless redeemed prior to maturity
(the “2014 Notes”). $350.0 of the notes bear interest at a per
annum coupon rate equal to 6.500%, payable semi-annually, and
mature on March 1, 2019, unless redeemed prior to maturity (the
“2019 Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering of $837.6
were used to repay the outstanding indebtedness under our
commercial paper program and for general corporate purposes. In
connection with the offering of the 2014 Notes, we entered into
five-year interest-rate swap agreements with notional amounts
totaling $500.0 to effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the
2014 Notes to a variable interest rate, based on LIBOR.
In March 2008, we issued $500.0 principal amount of notes
payable in a public offering. $250.0 of the notes bear interest
at a per annum coupon rate equal to 4.8%, payable semi-annually,
and mature on March 1, 2013, unless redeemed prior to
maturity (the “2013 Notes”). $250.0 of the notes bear interest
at a per annum coupon rate of 5.75%, payable semi-annually,
and mature on March 1, 2018, unless redeemed prior to maturity
(the “2018 Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering of
$496.3 were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our
commercial paper program and for general corporate purposes.
In August 2007, we entered into treasury lock agreements (the
“locks”) with notional amounts totaling $500.0 designated as
cash flow hedges of the anticipated interest payments on $250.0
principal amount of the 2013 Notes and $250.0 principal
amount of the 2018 Notes. The losses on the locks of $38.0
were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. $19.2
of the losses are being amortized to interest expense over five
years and $18.8 are being amortized over ten years.
At December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with all cove-
nants in our indentures (see Note 4, Debt and Other Financing,
to our 2009 Annual Report). Such indentures do not contain any
rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity of
our debt. However, we would be required to make an offer to
repurchase the 2013 Notes, 2014 Notes, 2018 Notes, and 2019
Notes at a price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest in the event of a
change in control involving us and a corresponding ratings
downgrade to below investment grade.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE ANDQUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUTMARKET RISK
The overall objective of our financial risk management program
is to reduce the potential negative effects from changes in
foreign exchange and interest rates arising from our business
activities. We may reduce our exposure to fluctuations in cash
flows associated with changes in interest rates and foreign
exchange rates by creating offsetting positions through the use
of derivative financial instruments and through operational
means. Since we use foreign currency rate-sensitive and interest
rate-sensitive instruments to hedge a portion of our existing and
forecasted transactions, we expect that any loss in value for the
hedge instruments generally would be offset by increases in the
value of the underlying transactions.
We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading
or speculative purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.
The master agreements governing our derivative contracts generally
contain standard provisions that could trigger early termination
of the contracts in some circumstances, including if we were to
merge with another entity and the creditworthiness of the sur-
viving entity were to be “materially weaker” than that of Avon
prior to the merger.
Interest Rate RiskOur long-term, fixed-rate borrowings are subject to interest rate
risk. We use interest rate swaps, which effectively convert the
fixed rate on the long-term debt to a floating interest rate, to
manage our interest rate exposure. At December 31, 2009, we
held interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted
approximately 82% of our outstanding long-term, fixed-rate
borrowings to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR, as compared
to 50% at December 31, 2008. Our total exposure to floating
interest rates was 83% at December 31, 2009, and 65% at
December 31, 2008.
Our long-term borrowings and interest rate swaps were analyzed
at year-end to determine their sensitivity to interest rate changes.
Based on the outstanding balance of all these financial instruments
at December 31, 2009, a hypothetical 50-basis-point change
(either an increase or a decrease) in interest rates prevailing at
that date, sustained for one year, would not represent a material
potential change in fair value, earnings or cash flows. This potential
change was calculated based on discounted cash flow analyses
using interest rates comparable to our current cost of debt.
Foreign Currency RiskWe operate globally, with operations in various locations around
the world. Over the past three years, approximately 80% of our
consolidated revenue was derived from operations of subsidiaries
outside of the U.S. The functional currency for most of our foreign
operations is the local currency. We are exposed to changes in
financial market conditions in the normal course of our operations,
primarily due to international businesses and transactions
denominated in foreign currencies and the use of various financial
instruments to fund ongoing activities. At December 31, 2009,
the primary currencies for which we had net underlying foreign
currency exchange rate exposures were the Argentine peso,
Brazilian real, British pound, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi,
Colombian peso, the Euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Philippine
peso, Polish zloty, Russian ruble, Turkish lira, Ukrainian hryvnia
and Venezuelan bolivar.
We may reduce our exposure to fluctuations in cash flows
associated with changes in foreign exchange rates by creating
offsetting positions through the use of derivative financial
instruments.
Our hedges of our foreign currency exposure are not designed
to, and, therefore, cannot entirely eliminate the effect of
changes in foreign exchange rates on our consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows.
Our foreign-currency financial instruments were analyzed at
year-end to determine their sensitivity to foreign exchange rate
changes. Based on our foreign exchange contracts at December
31, 2009, the impact of a hypothetical 10% appreciation or 10%
depreciation of the U.S. dollar against our foreign exchange
contracts would not represent a material potential change in fair
value, earnings or cash flows. This potential change does not
consider our underlying foreign currency exposures. The hypothetical
impact was calculated on the open positions using forward
rates at December 31, 2009, adjusted for an assumed 10%
appreciation or 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar against these
hedging contracts.
Credit Risk of Financial InstrumentsWe attempt to minimize our credit exposure to counterparties by
entering into derivative transactions and similar agreements only
with major international financial institutions with "A" or higher
credit ratings as issued by Standard & Poor's Corporation. Our
foreign currency and interest rate derivatives are comprised of
over-the-counter forward contracts, swaps or options with major
international financial institutions. Although our theoretical
credit risk is the replacement cost at the then estimated fair
value of these instruments, we believe that the risk of incurring
credit risk losses is remote and that such losses, if any, would not
be material.
Non-performance of the counterparties on the balance of all the
foreign exchange and interest rate agreements would result in a
write-off of $60.0 at December 31, 2009. In addition, in the
event of non-performance by such counterparties, we would be
exposed to market risk on the underlying items being hedged as
a result of changes in foreign exchange and interest rates.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANDSUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to the Index on page F-1 of our Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained herein.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN ANDDISAGREEMENTS WITHACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTINGAND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
A V O N 2009 37
PART II
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS ANDPROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls andProceduresAs of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal
executive and principal financial officers carried out an evalua-
tion of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). In
designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures,
management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no
matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reason-
able assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and
management was required to apply its judgment in evaluating
and implementing possible controls and procedures. Based upon
their evaluation, the principal executive and principal financial
officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures
were effective as of December 31, 2009, at the reasonable
assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed
to ensure that information relating to Avon (including our
consolidated subsidiaries) required to be disclosed by us in the
reports we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods specified in
the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and
to ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated
and communicated to management to allow timely decisions
regarding disclosure.
Management’s Report on InternalControl over Financial ReportingOur management is responsible for establishing and maintaining
adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term
is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Internal
control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed
by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and
principal financial officers and effected by our board of directors,
management and other personnel, to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
includes those policies and procedures that:
• pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dis-
positions of our assets;
• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as
necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and
that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in
accordance with authorizations of our management and
directors; and
• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition
of our assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute
assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of
its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is
a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is
subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from
human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can
be circumvented by collusion or improper override. Because of
such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may
not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control
over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are
known features of the financial reporting process, and it is possible
to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not
eliminate, this risk.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our manage-
ment, including our principal executive and principal financial
officers, we assessed as of December 31, 2009, the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting. This assessment
was based on criteria established in the framework in Internal
Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based
on our assessment using those criteria, our management con-
cluded that our internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2009, was effective.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public
accounting firm that audited the financial statements included
in this 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K, has audited the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as
of December 31, 2009. Their report is included on page F-2 of
our 2009 Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control overFinancial ReportingOur management has evaluated, with the participation of our
principal executive and principal financial officers, whether any
changes in our internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during our last fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth
fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting. Based on the evaluation we
conducted, our management has concluded that no such
changes have occurred.
We are implementing an enterprise resource planning (“ERP”)
system on a worldwide basis, which is expected to improve the
efficiency of our supply chain and financial transaction processes.
The implementation is expected to occur in phases over the next
several years. The implementation of a worldwide ERP system
will likely affect the processes that constitute our internal control
over financial reporting and will require testing for effectiveness.
We completed implementation in certain significant markets and
will continue to roll-out the ERP system over the next several
years. As with any new information technology application we
implement, this application, along with the internal controls over
financial reporting included in this process, were appropriately
tested for effectiveness prior to the implementation in these
countries. We concluded, as part of our evaluation described in
the above paragraph, that the implementation of ERP in these
countries has not materially affected our internal control over
financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
A V O N 2009 39
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVEOFFICERS AND CORPORATEGOVERNANCE
DirectorsInformation regarding directors is incorporated by reference
to the “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” and “Information
Concerning the Board of Directors” sections of our 2010 proxy
statement for the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2010
Proxy Statement”).
Executive OfficersInformation regarding executive officers is incorporated by
reference to the “Executive Officers” section of our 2010
Proxy Statement.
Section 16(a) Beneficial OwnershipReporting ComplianceThis information is incorporated by reference to the “Section
16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” section of
our 2010 Proxy Statement.
Code of Business Conduct and EthicsOur Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics, amended in February 2008, that applies to all members
of the Board of Directors and to all of our employees, including
our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer or controller. Our Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics is available, free of charge, on our investor
website, www.avoninvestor.com. Our Code of Business Conduct
and Ethics is also available, without charge, from Investor
Relations, Avon Products, Inc., 1345 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, NY 10105-0196 or by sending an email to
[email protected] or by calling (212) 282-5320. Any
amendment to, or waiver from, the provisions of this Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to any of those officers
will be posted to the same location on our website.
Audit Committee; Audit CommitteeFinancial ExpertThis information is incorporated by reference to the
“Information Concerning the Board of Directors” section of our
2010 Proxy Statement.
Material Changes in NominatingProceduresThis information is incorporated by reference to the
“Information Concerning the Board of Directors” section of our
2010 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This information is incorporated by reference to the
"Information Concerning the Board of Directors," "Executive
Compensation" and “Director Compensation” sections of our
2010 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OFCERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS ANDMANAGEMENT AND RELATEDSTOCKHOLDER MATTERS
This information is incorporated by reference to the “Equity
Compensation Plan Information” and "Ownership of Shares"
sections of our 2010 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPSAND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, ANDDIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
This information is incorporated by reference to the “Information
Concerning the Board of Directors” and “Transactions with
Related Persons" sections of our 2010 Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANTFEES AND SERVICES
This information is incorporated by reference to the “Proposal 2
– Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm" section of our 2010 Proxy Statement.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered PublicAccounting FirmSee Index on page F-1.
(a) 2. Financial Statement ScheduleSee Index on page F-1.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or because the required information is shown in the consolidated financial
statements and notes.
(a) 3. Index to Exhibits
ExhibitNumber Description
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York on May 3, 2007
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Avon's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007).
3.2 By-laws of Avon, as amended, effective May 3, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Avon's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007).
4.1 Indenture, dated as of May 13, 2003, between Avon, as Issuer, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee, relating to Avon’s
$125.0 aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Notes due 2013, $250.0 aggregate principal amount of 4.20% Notes due
2018 and $500.0 aggregate principal amount of Avon’s 5.125% Notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Avon’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003).
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 3, 2008, between Avon Products, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, as Trustee, pursuant to which the 4.800% Notes due 2013 are issued (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2008).
4.3 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 3, 2008, between Avon Products, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Com-
pany Americas, as Trustee, pursuant to which the 5.750% Notes due 2018 are issued (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.2 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2008).
4.4 Indenture, dated as of February 27, 2008, between Avon Products, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as
Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 4, 2008).
4.5 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 2, 2009, between Avon Products, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, as Trustee, with respect to the issuance of the 5.625% Notes due 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2009).
4.6 Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 2, 2009, between Avon Products, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, as Trustee, with respect to the issuance of the 6.500% Notes due 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2009).
10.1* Avon Products, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, approved by stockholders on May 6, 1993 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Avon's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993).
10.2* Form of Stock Option Agreement to the Avon Products, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993).
10.3* First Amendment of the Avon Products, Inc. 1993 Stock Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 1997, approved by stockholders
on May 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1997).
10.4* Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy State-
ment as filed with the Commission on March 27, 2000 in connection with Avon’s 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).
A V O N 2009 41
PART IV
ExhibitNumber Description
10.5* Amendment of the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2002 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.17 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).
10.6* Second Amendment to the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.7* Form of U.S. Stock Option Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).
10.8* Form of U.S. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005).
10.9* Form of Revised U.S. Stock Option Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2005).
10.10* Form of Revised U.S. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2000 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 8, 2005).
10.11* Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan approved by stockholders on May 5, 2005 (incorporated by reference to
Appendix G to Avon’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed on May 5, 2005 in connection with Avon’s 2005 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders).
10.12* First Amendment of the Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2006 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.12 to Avon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006).
10.13* Second Amendment of the Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 2007 (incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 10.13 to Avon's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006).
10.14* Third Amendment to the Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, dated October 2, 2008 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.14 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.15* Form of U.S. Stock Option Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 99.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2005).
10.16* Form of U.S. Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. Year 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2005).
10.17* Form of Performance Contingent Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Senior Officers under the Avon Products, Inc.
2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 13,
2007).
10.18* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2008).
10.19* Form of Retention Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 7, 2008).
10.20* Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of Avon Products, Inc., as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.21* Avon Products, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.20 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
10.22* Avon Products, Inc. Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
10.23* Board of Directors of Avon Products, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2008
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007).
10.24* Avon Products, Inc. 2008-2012 Executive Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current Report
on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2008).
10.25* Benefit Restoration Pension Plan of Avon Products, Inc., as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
ExhibitNumber Description
10.26* Trust Agreement, dated as of October 29, 1998, between Avon and The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A., as Trustee, relating to
the grantor trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004).
10.27* Amendment to Trust Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Avon’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.28* Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Andrea Jung, dated December 5, 2008 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Avon's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 8, 2008).
10.29* Separation Agreement, between Elizabeth Smith and Avon Products, Inc., dated September 16, 2009 (incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 17, 2009).
10.30* Employment Letter Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2005, between Avon and Charles W. Cramb (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on November 16, 2005).
10.31* Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement, effective as of December 3, 2008 between Avon and Charles W. Cramb
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.32* Form of Performance Contingent Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive
Plan for the Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on
March 31, 2006).
10.33* Employment Letter Agreement, dated as of November 18, 2005, between Avon and Charles Herington (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.37 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.34* Amendment to Employment Letter Agreement, effective as of November 24, 2008 between Avon and Charles Herington
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.35* Expatriate Assignment Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2006, by and between Avon Products, Inc. and Ben Gallina
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.36* Amendment to Expatriate Assignment Agreement, effective as of December 1, 2008 between Avon and Ben Gallina
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.37* Employment Letter Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2008, between Avon and Kim Rucker.
10.38 Guarantee of Avon Products, Inc. dated as of August 31, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current
Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2005).
10.39 Revolving Credit and Competitive Advance Facility Agreement, dated as of January 13, 2006, among Avon Products, Inc.,
Avon Capital Corporation, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Banc of America Securities
LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners, and the other lenders party thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2006).
10.40 Amendment No. 2 to Loan Agreement, dated August 21, 2008, by and between Avon Products, Inc. and The Bank of Tokyo-
Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Avon’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 26,
2008).
10.41* Supplemental Life Plan of Avon Products, Inc., amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.48 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.42* Pre-1990 Supplemental Life Plan of Avon Products, Inc., amended and restated as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by refer-
ence to Exhibit 10.49 to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
10.43* Avon Products, Inc. Management Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.50
to Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008).
21 Subsidiaries of the registrant.
A V O N 2009 43
PART IV
ExhibitNumber Description
23 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification of Vice Chairman, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification of Vice Chairman, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101** The following materials formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income,
(ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders’ Equity, (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text, and (vi) Schedule of Valuation
and Qualifying Accounts, tagged as block text.
* The Exhibits identified above with an asterisk (*) are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.** Furnished, not filed.
Avon’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, at the time of filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
shall modify and supersede all prior documents filed pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for purposes
of any offers or sales of any securities after the date of such filing pursuant to any Registration Statement or Prospectus filed pursuant to the
Securities Act of 1933, which incorporates by reference such Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 25th day of February 2010.
Avon Products, Inc.
/s/ Stephen Ibbotson
Stephen Ibbotson
Group Vice President and
Corporate Controller — Principal Accounting Officer
A V O N 2009 45
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
/s/ Andrea Jung
Andrea Jung Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer –
Principal Executive Officer
February 25, 2010
/s/ Charles W. Cramb
Charles W. Cramb Vice Chairman, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer –
Principal Financial Officer
February 25, 2010
/s/ Stephen Ibbotson
Stephen Ibbotson Group Vice President and Corporate Controller –
Principal Accounting Officer
February 25, 2010
/s/ W. Don Cornwell
W. Don Cornwell Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Edward T. Fogarty
Edward T. Fogarty Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ V. Anne Hailey
V. Anne Hailey Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Fred Hassan
Fred Hassan Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Maria Elena Lagomasino
Maria Elena Lagomasino Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Ann S. Moore
Ann S. Moore Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Paul S. Pressler
Paul S. Pressler Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Gary M. Rodkin
Gary M. Rodkin Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Paula Stern
Paula Stern Director
February 25, 2010
/s/ Lawrence A. Weinbach
Lawrence A. Weinbach Director
February 25, 2010
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE
F-2Report of Independent Registered PublicAccounting Firm
Consolidated FinancialStatements:
F-3Consolidated Statements of Incomefor each of the years in the three-yearperiod ended December 31, 2009
F-4Consolidated Balance Sheets atDecember 31, 2009 and 2008
F-5Consolidated Statements of CashFlows for each of the years in thethree-year period ended December 31,2009
F-6Consolidated Statements of Changesin Shareholders’ Equity for each of theyears in the three-year period endedDecember 31, 2009
F-7Notes to Consolidated FinancialStatements
Financial StatementSchedule:
F-37Schedule II – Valuation and QualifyingAccounts
A V O N 2009 F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Avon Products, Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
and the related consolidated statements of income, cash flows
and changes in shareholders’ equity present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Avon Products Inc. and its sub-
sidiaries at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement
schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) presents fairly, in all material
respects, the information set forth therein when read in con-
junction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also
in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal
Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial
statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining
effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting, appearing in Item 9A. Our responsibility
is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the finan-
cial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial state-
ments are free of material misstatement and whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management,
and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our
audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtain-
ing an understanding of internal control over financial reporting,
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal
control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included per-
forming such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinions.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,
in 2009 the Company changed the manner in which it
accounts for noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. In 2007
the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for
uncertain tax positions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of
the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of manage-
ment and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to
the risk that controls may become inadequate because of
changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 25, 2010
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In millions, except per share data)Years ended December 31 2009 2008 2007
Net sales $10,284.7 $10,588.9 $9,845.2
Other revenue 98.1 101.2 93.5
Total revenue 10,382.8 10,690.1 9,938.7
Costs, expenses and other:
Cost of sales 3,888.3 3,949.1 3,941.2
Selling, general and administrative expenses 5,476.3 5,401.7 5,124.8
Operating profit 1,018.2 1,339.3 872.7
Interest expense 104.8 100.4 112.2
Interest income (20.2) (37.1) (42.2)
Other expense, net 7.1 37.7 6.6
Total other expenses 91.7 101.0 76.6
Income before taxes 926.5 1,238.3 796.1
Income taxes 298.3 362.7 262.8
Net income 628.2 875.6 533.3
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (2.4) (.3) (2.6)
Net income attributable to Avon $ 625.8 $ 875.3 $ 530.7
Earnings per share:
Basic $ 1.45 $ 2.04 $ 1.22
Diluted $ 1.45 $ 2.03 $ 1.21
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic 426.90 426.36 433.47
Diluted 428.54 428.25 436.02
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
A V O N 2009 F-3
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except per share data)
December 31 2009 2008
AssetsCurrent assetsCash, including cash equivalents of $670.5 and $704.8 $ 1,311.6 $ 1,104.7Accounts receivable (less allowances of $165.5 and $127.9) 779.7 687.8Inventories 1,067.5 1,007.9Prepaid expenses and other 1,030.5 756.5
Total current assets 4,189.3 3,556.9
Property, plant and equipment, at costLand 144.3 85.3Buildings and improvements 1,048.1 1,008.1Equipment 1,506.9 1,346.5
2,699.3 2,439.9Less accumulated depreciation (1,169.7) (1,096.0)
1,529.6 1,343.9Other assets 1,113.8 1,173.2
Total assets $ 6,832.7 $ 6,074.0
Liabilities and Shareholders’ EquityCurrent liabilitiesDebt maturing within one year $ 138.1 $ 1,031.4Accounts payable 754.7 724.3Accrued compensation 291.0 234.4Other accrued liabilities 697.1 581.9Sales and taxes other than income 259.2 212.2Income taxes 134.7 128.0
Total current liabilities 2,274.8 2,912.2
Long-term debt 2,307.8 1,456.2Employee benefit plans 588.9 665.4Long-term income taxes 173.8 168.9Other liabilities 174.8 159.0
Total liabilities $ 5,520.1 $ 5,361.7
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 13 and 15)
Shareholders’ equityCommon stock, par value $.25 – authorized 1,500 shares;
issued 740.9 and 739.4 shares $ 186.1 $ 185.6Additional paid-in capital 1,941.0 1,874.1Retained earnings 4,383.9 4,118.9Accumulated other comprehensive loss (692.6) (965.9)Treasury stock, at cost (313.4 and 313.1 shares) (4,545.8) (4,537.8)
Total Avon shareholders’ equity 1,272.6 674.9
Noncontrolling interest 40.0 37.4
Total shareholders’ equity $ 1,312.6 $ 712.3
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 6,832.7 $ 6,074.0
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)Years ended December 31 2009 2008 2007
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income $ 628.2 $ 875.6 $ 533.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 133.0 141.9 128.9
Amortization 47.7 45.3 43.2
Provision for doubtful accounts 221.7 195.5 164.1
Provision for obsolescence 122.9 80.8 280.6
Share-based compensation 54.9 54.8 61.6
Foreign exchange losses (gains) (1.4) 18.7 (2.5)
Deferred income taxes (162.7) (62.4) (112.4)
Other 68.3 48.0 39.5
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (261.0) (174.6) (236.6)
Inventories (125.5) (174.3) (341.0)
Prepaid expenses and other (72.9) (153.3) (49.1)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 126.2 (148.9) 169.9
Income and other taxes 16.0 47.5 61.6
Noncurrent assets and liabilities (13.4) (46.5) (151.3)
Net cash provided by operating activities 782.0 748.1 589.8
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures (296.9) (380.5) (278.5)
Disposal of assets 11.2 13.4 11.2
Purchases of investments (.9) (77.7) (47.0)
Proceeds from sale of investments 61.9 41.4 46.1
Other investing activities 5.8 – (19.0)
Net cash used by investing activities (218.9) (403.4) (287.2)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities*
Cash dividends (364.8) (347.7) (325.7)
Debt, net (maturities of three months or less) (508.1) (216.9) 249.6
Proceeds from debt 957.7 572.6 58.7
Repayment of debt (450.4) (73.9) (18.0)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 13.1 81.4 85.5
Excess tax benefit realized from share-based compensation (.7) 15.1 19.6
Repurchase of common stock (8.6) (172.1) (666.8)
Net cash used by financing activities (361.8) (141.5) (597.1)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents 5.6 (61.9) 59.0
Net change in cash and equivalents 206.9 141.3 (235.5)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of year $1,104.7 $ 963.4 $1,198.9
Cash and equivalents at end of year $1,311.6 $1,104.7 $ 963.4
Cash paid for:
Interest, net of amounts capitalized $ 127.5 $ 99.6 $ 113.2
Income taxes, net of refunds received $ 380.4 $ 388.7 $ 396.7
* Non-cash financing activities included the change in fair market value of interest rate swap agreements of $(55.7) in 2009, $83.6 in 2008, and $8.4 in 2007(see Note 4, Debt and Other Financing).
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
A V O N 2009 F-5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common StockAdditional
Paid-InCapital
RetainedEarnings
AccumulatedOther
ComprehensiveLoss
Treasury StockNon-
controllingInterest(In millions, except per share data) Shares Amount Shares Amount Total
Balances at December 31, 2006 732.74 $183.5 $1,549.8 $3,396.8 $(656.3) 291.35 $(3,683.4) $37.0 $ 827.4Comprehensive income:
Net income 530.7 2.6 533.3Foreign currency translation adjustments 185.7 1.9 187.6Changes in available-for-sale securities,
net of taxes of $0 .1 .1Amortization of unrecognized actuarial
losses, prior service credit, and transi-tion obligation, net of taxes of $14.2 27.6 27.6
Net actuarial gains and prior service costarising during 2007, net of taxes of$22.3 43.3 43.3
Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges,net of taxes of $9.5 (17.4) (17.4)
Total comprehensive income 774.5Cumulative effect of accounting changes
relating to taxes (Note 6) (18.3) (18.3)Dividends - $.74 per share (322.7) (322.7)Exercise/vesting and expense of share-based
compensation 3.52 1.2 143.4 (.10) 1.2 145.8Repurchase of common stock 11.8 17.31 (685.0) (673.2)Purchases and sales of noncontrolling
interest, net of dividends paid of $3.1 (3.3) (3.3)Income tax benefits – stock transactions 19.6 19.6
Balances at December 31, 2007 736.26 $184.7 $1,724.6 $3,586.5 $(417.0) 308.56 $(4,367.2) $38.2 $ 749.8Comprehensive income:
Net income 875.3 .3 875.6Foreign currency translation adjustments (318.3) 6.0 (312.3)Changes in available-for-sale securities,
net of taxes of $.3 (.7) (.7)Amortization of unrecognized actuarial
losses and prior service credit, net oftaxes of $10.2 20.1 20.1
Net actuarial losses and prior service costarising during 2008, net of taxes of$119.4 (240.5) (240.5)
Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges,net of taxes of $5.1 (9.5) (9.5)
Total comprehensive income 332.7Dividends - $.80 per share (342.9) (342.9)Exercise/vesting and expense of share-based
compensation 3.16 .9 134.4 (.10) 1.5 136.8Repurchase of common stock 4.61 (172.1) (172.1)Purchases and sales of noncontrolling
interest, net of dividends paid of $7.1 (7.1) (7.1)Income tax benefits – stock transactions 15.1 15.1
Balances at December 31, 2008 739.42 $185.6 $1,874.1 $4,118.9 $(965.9) 313.07 $(4,537.8) $37.4 $ 712.3
Comprehensive income:Net income 625.8 2.4 628.2Foreign currency translation adjustments 193.1 (.3) 192.8Changes in available-for-sale securities,
net of taxes of $0.1 .3 .3Amortization of unrecognized actuarial
losses and prior service credit, net oftaxes of $12.2 30.4 30.4
Net actuarial losses and prior service costarising during 2009, net of taxes of$26.4 41.1 41.1
Net derivative losses on cash flow hedges,net of taxes of $4.7 8.4 8.4
Total comprehensive income 901.2Dividends - $.84 per share (360.8) (360.8)Exercise/vesting and expense of share-based
compensation 1.48 .5 67.6 (.05) .6 68.7Repurchase of common stock .40 (8.6) (8.6)Purchases and sales of noncontrolling
interests, net of dividends paid of $4.8 .5 .5Income tax benefits – stock transactions (.7) (.7)
Balances at December 31, 2009 740.90 $186.1 $1,941.0 $4,383.9 $(692.6) 313.42 $(4,545.8) $40.0 $1,312.6
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In millions, except per share and share data)
NOTE 1. Description of the Businessand Summary of Significant AccountingPolicies
BusinessWhen used in these notes, the terms “Avon,” “Company,”
“we,” “our” or “us” mean Avon Products, Inc.
We are a global manufacturer and marketer of beauty and
related products. Our business is conducted worldwide, primarily
in one channel, direct selling. Our reportable segments are based
on geographic operations in six regions: Latin America; North
America; Central & Eastern Europe; Western Europe, Middle
East & Africa; Asia Pacific; and China. We have centralized oper-
ations for Global Brand Marketing, Global Sales and Supply
Chain. Our product categories are Beauty, Fashion and Home.
Beauty consists of color cosmetics, fragrances, skin care and per-
sonal care. Fashion consists of fashion jewelry, watches, apparel,
footwear and accessories. Home consists of gift and decorative
products, housewares, entertainment and leisure products and
children’s and nutritional products. Sales from Health and Well-
ness products and mark., a global cosmetics brand that focuses
on the market for young women, are included among these three
categories based on product type. Sales are made to the ultimate
consumer principally by independent Avon Representatives.
Principles of ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Avon and our majority and wholly-owned subsidiaries. Inter-
company balances and transactions are eliminated.
Use of EstimatesWe prepare our consolidated financial statements and related
disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. In preparing
these statements, we are required to use estimates and assump-
tions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could
differ materially from those estimates and assumptions. On an
ongoing basis, we review our estimates, including those related
to restructuring reserves, allowances for doubtful accounts
receivable, allowances for sales returns, provisions for inventory
obsolescence, income taxes and tax valuation reserves, share-
based compensation, loss contingencies, and the determination
of discount rate and other actuarial assumptions for pension,
postretirement and postemployment benefit expenses.
Foreign CurrencyFinancial statements of foreign subsidiaries operating in other
than highly inflationary economies are translated at year-end
exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange
rates during the year for income and expense accounts. The
resulting translation adjustments are recorded within accumu-
lated other comprehensive loss. Financial statements of subsidi-
aries operating in highly inflationary economies are translated
using a combination of current and historical exchange rates and
any translation adjustments are included in current earnings.
Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are
recorded in other expense, net.
Revenue RecognitionNet sales primarily include sales generated as a result of Represen-
tative orders less any discounts, taxes and other deductions. We
recognize revenue upon delivery, when both title and the risks
and rewards of ownership pass to the independent Representatives,
who are our customers. Our internal financial systems accumulate
revenues as orders are shipped to the Representative. Since we
report revenue upon delivery, revenues recorded in the financial
system must be reduced for an estimate of the financial impact
of those orders shipped but not delivered at the end of each
reporting period. We use estimates in determining the adjustments
to revenue and operating profit for orders that have been shipped
but not delivered as of the end of the period. These estimates are
based on daily sales levels, delivery lead times, gross margin and
variable expenses. We also estimate an allowance for sales returns
based on historical experience with product returns. In addition,
we estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based
on an analysis of historical data and current circumstances.
Other RevenueOther revenue primarily includes shipping and handling fees
billed to Representatives.
Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which
approximates fair value. Cash equivalents are high-quality,
short-term money market instruments with an original maturity
of three months or less and consist of time deposits with a number
of U.S. and non-U.S. commercial banks and money market fund
investments.
InventoriesInventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. We clas-
sify inventory into various categories based upon their stage in
the product life cycle, future marketing sales plans and dis-
position process. We assign a degree of obsolescence risk to
A V O N 2009 F-7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
products based on this classification to determine the level of
obsolescence provision.
Prepaid Brochure CostsCosts to prepare brochures are deferred and amortized over the
period during which the benefits are expected, which is typically
the sales campaign length of two to four weeks. Prepaid expenses
and other included deferred brochure costs of $46.9 at December
31, 2009, and $44.0 at December 31, 2008. Additionally, paper
stock is purchased in advance of creating the brochures. Prepaid
expenses and other included paper supply of $21.2 at December
31, 2009, and $31.6 at December 31, 2008.
Property, Plant and EquipmentProperty, plant and equipment are stated at cost and are depreci-
ated using a straight-line method over the estimated useful lives
of the assets. The estimated useful lives generally are as follows:
buildings, 45 years; land improvements, 20 years; machinery and
equipment, 15 years; and office equipment, five to ten years.
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the
lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Upon dis-
posal of property, plant and equipment, the cost of the assets
and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in earnings.
Costs associated with repair and maintenance activities are
expensed as incurred.
We capitalize interest on borrowings during the active construction
period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest is added to the
cost of the related asset and depreciated over the useful lives of
the assets. We capitalized interest of $4.9 for 2009, $4.9 for
2008, and $0 for 2007.
Deferred SoftwareCertain systems development costs related to the purchase,
development and installation of computer software are capital-
ized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related
project, not to exceed five years. Costs incurred prior to the
development stage, as well as maintenance, training costs, and
general and administrative expenses are expensed as incurred.
Other assets included unamortized deferred software costs of
$112.0 at December 31, 2009 and $98.3 at December 31, 2008.
Investments in Debt and EquitySecuritiesDebt and equity securities that have a readily determinable fair
value and that we do not intend to hold to maturity are classified
as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized holding
gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, are recorded as a sepa-
rate component of shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes.
Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale secu-
rities are calculated on a specific identification basis. Declines in
the fair values of investments below their cost basis that are judged
to be other-than-temporary are recorded in other expense, net.
In determining whether an other-than-temporary decline in fair
market value has occurred, we consider various factors, including
the duration and the extent to which market value is below cost.
Goodwill and Intangible AssetsGoodwill is not amortized, but rather is assessed for impairment
annually and on the occurrence of an event that indicates
impairment may have occurred. Intangible assets with estimable
useful lives are amortized using a straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. We completed annual good-
will impairment assessments and no adjustments to goodwill
were necessary for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008
or 2007.
Financial InstrumentsWe use derivative financial instruments, including interest-rate
swap agreements, forward foreign currency contracts and
options, to manage interest rate and foreign currency exposures.
We record all derivative instruments at their fair values on the
Consolidated Balance Sheets as either assets or liabilities. See
Note 7, Financial Instruments and Risk Management.
Deferred Income TaxesDeferred income taxes have been provided on items recognized
for financial reporting purposes in different periods than for
income tax purposes using tax rates in effect for the year in
which the differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allow-
ance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than
not these items will not be realized. The ultimate realization of our
deferred tax assets depends upon generating sufficient future
taxable income during the periods in which our temporary
differences become deductible or before our net operating loss and
tax credit carryforwards expire. Deferred taxes are not provided
on the portion of unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside of
the U.S. when management concludes that these earnings are
indefinitely reinvested. Deferred taxes are provided on earnings
not considered indefinitely reinvested. At December 31, 2009,
U.S. income taxes have not been provided on $2,246.8 of undis-
tributed income of subsidiaries that has been or is intended to be
indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S.
Uncertain Tax PositionsWe recognize the benefit of a tax position, if that position is
more likely than not of being sustained on audit, based on the
technical merits of the position.
Selling, General and AdministrativeExpensesSelling, general and administrative expenses include costs asso-
ciated with selling; marketing; and distribution activities, includ-
ing shipping and handling costs; advertising; research and
development; information technology; and other administrative
costs, including finance, legal and human resource functions.
Shipping and HandlingShipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and
amounted to $939.1 in 2009, $972.1 in 2008 and $913.9 in
2007. Shipping and handling costs are included in selling, gen-
eral and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements
of Income.
AdvertisingAdvertising costs, excluding brochure preparation costs, are
expensed as incurred and amounted to $352.7 in 2009, $390.5
in 2008 and $368.4 in 2007.
Research and DevelopmentResearch and development costs are expensed as incurred and
amounted to $66.7 in 2009, $70.0 in 2008 and $71.8 in 2007.
Research and development costs include all costs related to the
design and development of new products such as salaries and
benefits, supplies and materials and facilities costs.
Share-based CompensationAll share-based payments to employees are recognized in the
financial statements based on their fair values using an option-
pricing model at the date of grant. We use a Black-Scholes-
Merton option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of options.
Restructuring ReservesWe record severance-related expenses provided under an
ongoing benefit arrangement once they are both probable and
estimable. One-time, involuntary benefit arrangements and dis-
posal costs, primarily contract termination costs, are recorded
when the benefits have been communicated to employees.
One-time, voluntary benefit arrangements are recorded when
the employee accepts the offered benefit arrangement. We eval-
uate our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be
held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying
amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows
expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of
an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment
charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying
amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
ContingenciesWe determine whether to disclose and accrue for loss contingen-
cies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote,
reasonably possible or probable. We record loss contingencies
when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the
amount of loss is reasonably estimable.
ReclassificationsWe have reclassified some prior year amounts in the Consoli-
dated Financial Statements and accompanying notes for com-
parative purposes. We reclassified minority interest of $37.4
from other liabilities to shareholders’ equity on the Consolidated
Balance Sheet at December 31, 2008 as a result of the adoption
of new accounting guidance. See Note 2 for further information.
Earnings per ShareWe compute earnings per share (“EPS”) using the two-class
method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines
earnings per share for common stock and participating securities.
Our participating securities are our grants of restricted stock and
restricted stock units, which contain non-forfeitable rights to
dividend equivalents. We compute basic EPS by dividing net
income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-
average number of shares outstanding during the year. Diluted
EPS is calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common
shares that were outstanding during the year.
For each of the three years ended December 31, the compo-
nents of basic and diluted EPS were as follows:
(Shares in millions) 2009 2008 2007
Numerator:
Net income attributable to
Avon $ 625.8 $ 875.3 $ 530.7
Less: Earnings allocated to
participating securities (5.2) (6.0) (3.3)
Net income allocated to
common shareholders 620.6 869.3 527.4
Denominator:
Basic EPS weighted-average
shares outstanding 426.90 426.36 433.47
Diluted effect of assumed
conversion of stock options 1.64 1.89 2.55
Diluted EPS adjusted weighted-
average shares outstanding 428.54 428.25 436.02
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic $ 1.45 $ 2.04 $ 1.22
Diluted $ 1.45 $ 2.03 $ 1.21
A V O N 2009 F-9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
We did not include stock options to purchase 16.8 million shares
for the year ended December 31, 2009, 21.3 million shares for
2008, and 7.4 million shares for 2007 of Avon common stock in
the calculations of diluted EPS because the exercise prices of
those options were greater than the average market price and
their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
NOTE 2. New Accounting Standards
In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“FASB”) issued the FASB Accounting Standards Codification
(the “Codification”), which established the Codification as the
authoritative source of nongovernmental accounting principles
to be applied to the financial statements prepared in accordance
with GAAP.
Standards ImplementedEffective January 1, 2009, we adopted the fair value measure-
ment provisions as required by the Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures Topic of the Codification, as it relates to the meas-
urement of nonfinancial assets and liabilities on a non-recurring
basis. The adoption of these provisions did not have an impact
on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted enhanced disclosures
about how and why we use derivative instruments, how they are
accounted for, and how they affect our financial performance as
required by the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the Codifica-
tion. See Note 7, Financial Instruments and Risk Management.
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions required by
the EPS Topic of the Codification. The specific provisions address
whether instruments granted in share-based payment awards
are participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, need
to be included in the earnings allocation in computing EPS under
the two-class method. Prior periods EPS was adjusted retro-
spectively which caused the December 31, 2008 basic EPS to be
adjusted from $2.05 to $2.04 and diluted EPS to be adjusted
from $2.04 to $2.03. There was no impact to EPS for the year
ended December 31, 2007. See Note 1, Description of the Busi-
ness and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions relating
to the accounting for business combinations as required by
the Business Combinations Topic of the Codification. These
provisions will impact our financial statements both on the
acquisition date and in subsequent periods and will be applied
prospectively. The impact of adopting these provisions will
depend on the nature and terms of future acquisitions.
Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted the provisions for the
accounting and reporting of noncontrolling interests in a
subsidiary in consolidated financial statements as required by
the Consolidations Topic of the Codification. These provisions
recharacterize minority interests as noncontrolling interests and
require noncontrolling interests to be classified as a component
of shareholders’ equity. These provisions require retroactive
adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for
existing minority interests. As a result of the adoption of these
provisions, we reclassified minority interest of $37.4 from other
liabilities to shareholders’ equity on the Consolidated Balance
Sheet at December 31, 2008.
Effective June 30, 2009, we adopted the subsequent event provi-
sions of the Codification. These provisions provide guidance on
management’s assessment of subsequent events. The adoption
of these provisions did not have an impact on our Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Effective December 31, 2009, we adopted the provisions of the
Compensation – Retirement Benefits Topic of the Codification,
which relate to employer’s disclosures about postretirement ben-
efit plan assets. These provisions required additional disclosures
about the major categories of plan assets and concentrations of
risk, as well as disclosure of fair value levels. See Note 11,
Employee Benefit Plans.
Standards to be ImplementedIn January 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update
(“ASU”) 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Meas-
urements. The ASU amends FASB Codification Topic 820, Fair
Value Measurements and Disclosures, to require additional dis-
closures regarding fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 is
effective December 31, 2010, for Avon.
NOTE 3. Inventories
Inventories at December 31 consisted of the following:
2009 2008
Raw materials $ 335.9 $ 292.7
Finished goods 731.6 715.2
Total $1,067.5 $1,007.9
NOTE 4. Debt and Other Financing
DebtDebt at December 31 consisted of the following:
2009 2008
Debt maturing within one year:
Notes payable $ 122.8 $ 125.4
Commercial paper – 499.7
Yen credit facility – 102.0
7.15% Notes, due November 2009 – 300.0
Current portion of long-term debt 15.3 4.3
Total $ 138.1 $1,031.4
Long-term debt:
5.125% Notes, due January 2011 $ 499.8 $ 499.7
4.80% Notes, due March 2013 249.8 249.7
4.625% Notes, due May 2013 116.3 114.1
5.625% Notes, due March 2014 497.7 –
5.75% Notes, due March 2018 249.3 249.2
4.20% Notes, due July 2018 249.3 249.2
6.50% Notes, due March 2019 345.9 –
Other, payable through 2019 with
interest from 1.3% to 14.0% 87.4 14.7
Total long-term debt 2,295.5 1,376.6
Adjustments for debt with fair value
hedges 27.6 83.9
Less current portion (15.3) (4.3)
Total $2,307.8 $1,456.2
Notes payable included short-term borrowings of international
subsidiaries at average annual interest rates of approximately
5.8% at December 31, 2009, and 7.6% at December 31, 2008.
Other long-term debt, payable through 2019, included obligations
under capital leases of $15.3 at December 31, 2009, and $11.4
at December 31, 2008, which primarily relate to leases of auto-
mobiles and equipment. In addition, other long-term debt, payable
through 2019, at December 31, 2009, included financing lease
obligations entered into in 2009 for $72.1, which primarily
relates to the sale and leaseback of equipment and software in
one of our distribution facilities in North America.
Adjustments for debt with fair value hedges includes adjust-
ments to reflect net unrealized gains of $27.6 at December 31,
2009, and net unrealized gains of $80.0 at December 31, 2008,
on debt with fair value hedges and unamortized gains on termi-
nated swap agreements and swap agreements no longer des-
ignated as fair value hedges of $0 at December 31, 2009, and
$3.9 at December 31, 2008. See Note 7, Financial Instruments
and Risk Management.
We held interest-rate swap contracts that swap approximately
82% at December 31, 2009, and 50% at December 31, 2008 of
our long-term debt to variable rates. See Note 7, Financial Instru-
ments and Risk Management.
In March 2009, we issued $850.0 principal amount of notes
payable in a public offering. $500.0 of the notes bear interest at
a per annum coupon rate equal to 5.625%, payable semi-
annually, and mature on March 1, 2014 (the “2014 Notes”).
$350.0 of the notes bear interest at a per annum coupon rate
equal to 6.50%, payable semi-annually, and mature on March 1,
2019 (the “2019 Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering of
$837.6 were used to repay the outstanding indebtedness under
our commercial paper program and for general corporate pur-
poses. In connection with the offering of the 2014 Notes, we
entered into five-year interest-rate swap agreements with
notional amounts totaling $500.0 to effectively convert the fixed
interest rate on the 2014 Notes to a variable interest rate, based
on LIBOR. The carrying value of the 2014 Notes represents the
$500.0 principal amount, net of the unamortized discount to face
value of $2.3 at December 31, 2009. The carrying value of the
2019 Notes represents the $350.0 principal amount, net of the
unamortized discount to face value of $4.1 at December 31, 2009.
In March 2008, we issued $500.0 principal amount of notes
payable in a public offering. $250.0 of the notes bear interest
at a per annum coupon rate equal to 4.80%, payable semi-
annually, and mature on March 1, 2013, unless previously
redeemed (the “2013 Notes”). $250.0 of the notes bear interest
at a per annum coupon rate of 5.75%, payable semi-annually,
and mature on March 1, 2018, unless previously redeemed (the
“2018 Notes”). The net proceeds from the offering of $496.3 were
used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our commercial
paper program and for general corporate purposes. The carrying
value of the 2013 Notes represents the $250.0 principal amount,
net of the unamortized discount to face value of $.2 at December
31, 2009, and $.3 at December 31, 2008. The carrying value of the
2018 Notes represents the $250.0 principal amount, net of the
unamortized discount to face value of $.7 at December 31, 2009,
and $.8 at December 31, 2008.
In January 2006, we issued in a public offering $500.0 principal
amount of notes payable (the “5.125% Notes”) that mature on
January 15, 2011, and bear interest, payable semi-annually, at a
per annum rate equal to 5.125%. The net proceeds from the
offering were used for general corporate purposes, including the
repayment of short-term domestic debt. The carrying value of
the 5.125% Notes represents the $500.0 principal amount, net of
the unamortized discount to face value of $.2 at December 31,
2009, and $.3 at December 31, 2008.
A V O N 2009 F-11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In June 2003, we issued to the public $250.0 principal amount of
registered senior notes (the “4.20% Notes”). The 4.20% Notes
mature on July 15, 2018, and bear interest at a per annum rate of
4.20%, payable semi-annually. The carrying value of the 4.20% Notes
represents the $250.0 principal amount, net of the unamortized
discount to face value of $.7 and $.8 at December 31, 2009 and
2008, respectively.
In April 2003, the call holder of $100.0 principal amount of
6.25% Notes due May 2018 (the “Notes”), embedded with put
and call option features, exercised the call option associated with
these Notes, and thus became the sole note holder of the Notes.
Pursuant to an agreement with the sole note holder, we modified
these Notes into $125.0 aggregate principal amount of 4.625%
notes due May 15, 2013. The modified principal amount repre-
sented the original value of the putable/callable notes, plus the
market value of the related call option and approximately $4.0
principal amount of additional notes issued for cash. In May 2003,
$125.0 principal amount of registered senior notes were issued in
exchange for the modified notes held by the sole note holder. No
cash proceeds were received by us. The registered senior notes
mature on May 15, 2013, and bear interest at a per annum rate of
4.625%, payable semi-annually (the “4.625% Notes”). The trans-
action was accounted for as an exchange of debt instruments and,
accordingly, the premium related to the original notes is being
amortized over the life of the new 4.625% Notes. The carrying
value of the 4.625% Notes represents the $125.0 principal amount,
net of the unamortized discount to face value and the premium
related to the call option associated with the original notes totaling
$8.7 at December 31, 2009, and $10.9 at December 31, 2008.
Annual maturities of long-term debt (including unamortized
discounts and premiums and excluding the adjustments for debt
with fair value hedges) outstanding at December 31, 2009, are
as follows:
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014After2014 Total
Maturities $15.3 $511.6 $12.2 $380.5 $505.6 $887.2 $2,312.4
Other FinancingWe have a five-year, $1,000.0 revolving credit and competitive
advance facility (the “credit facility”), which expires in January 2011.
The credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes. The
interest rate on borrowings under the credit facility is based on
LIBOR or on the higher of prime or 1/2% plus the federal funds rate.
The credit facility has an annual fee of $.7, payable quarterly, based
on our current credit ratings. The credit facility contains various
covenants, including a financial covenant which requires our interest
coverage ratio (determined in relation to our consolidated pretax
income and interest expense) to equal or exceed 4:1. There were no
amounts outstanding under the credit facility at December 31, 2009
and December 31, 2008, respectively.
We maintain a $1,000.0 commercial paper program. Under the
program, we may issue from time to time unsecured promissory
notes in the commercial paper market in private placements
exempt from registration under federal and state securities laws,
for a cumulative face amount not to exceed $1,000.0 outstanding
at any one time and with maturities not exceeding 270 days from
the date of issue. The commercial paper short-term notes issued
under the program are not redeemable prior to maturity and are
not subject to voluntary prepayment. The commercial paper pro-
gram is supported by our credit facility. Outstanding commercial
paper effectively reduces the amount available for borrowing
under the credit facility. At December 31, 2009, we had no
amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program. At
December 31, 2008, we had commercial paper outstanding of
$499.7 at an average annual interest rate of 2.3%.
The indentures under which the above notes were issued contain
certain covenants, including limits on the incurrence of liens and
restrictions on the incurrence of sale/leaseback transactions and
transactions involving a merger, consolidation or sale of substan-
tially all of our assets. At December 31, 2009, we were in compliance
with all covenants in our indentures. Such indentures do not
contain any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the
maturity of our debt. However, we would be required to make an
offer to repurchase the 2013 Notes, 2014 Notes, 2018 Notes, and
2019 Notes at a price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest in the event of a change
in control involving Avon and a corresponding ratings downgrade
to below investment grade.
At December 31, 2009, we also had letters of credit outstanding
totaling $39.7, which primarily guarantee various insurance
activities. In addition, we had outstanding letters of credit for
various trade activities and commercial commitments executed in
the ordinary course of business, such as purchase orders for
normal replenishment of inventory levels.
NOTE 5. Accumulated OtherComprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31 consisted
of the following:
2009 2008
Foreign currency translation adjustments $(198.6) $(406.2)
Unrealized (losses) gains from
available-for-sale securities, net of taxes
of $0 and $.1 – (.3)
Pension and postretirement adjustment,
net of taxes of $233.6 and $266.8 (475.2) (532.2)
Net derivative losses from cash flow
hedges, net of taxes of $10.1 and $14.8 (18.8) (27.2)
Total $(692.6) $(965.9)
Foreign exchange gains (losses) of $(14.5) for 2009 and $25.4
for 2008 resulting from the translation of actuarial losses, prior
service credit and translation obligation recorded in Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) are included in foreign
currency translation adjustments in the rollforward of accumu-
lated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Statements
of Changes in Shareholders Equity.
NOTE 6. Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) resulting from temporary differences
in the recognition of income and expense for tax and financial
reporting purposes at December 31 consisted of the following:
2009 2008
Deferred tax assets:Accrued expenses and reserves $ 261.8 $ 212.4Pension and postretirement benefits 169.1 199.3Asset revaluations 83.3 52.7Capitalized expenses 66.4 46.0Share-based compensation 60.0 51.3Restructuring initiatives 30.0 12.9Postemployment benefits 18.2 17.0Foreign tax loss carryforwards 373.4 300.9Foreign tax credit carryforwards 144.2 93.9Minimum tax credit carryforwards 32.9 32.5All other 49.6 35.5Valuation allowance (394.1) (284.1)
Total deferred tax assets 894.8 770.3
Deferred tax liabilities:Depreciation and amortization (42.2) (45.3)Unremitted foreign earnings (26.2) (19.1)Prepaid expenses (13.5) (14.1)Capitalized interest (7.7) (6.1)All other (21.0) (31.9)
Total deferred tax liabilities (110.6) (116.5)
Net deferred tax assets $ 784.2 $ 653.8
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31 were classified
as follows:
2009 2008
Deferred tax assets:Prepaid expenses and other $303.2 $194.6Other assets 527.3 502.5
Total deferred tax assets 830.5 697.1
Deferred tax liabilities:Income taxes (.2) (7.0)Long-term income taxes (46.1) (36.3)
Total deferred tax liabilities (46.3) (43.3)
Net deferred tax assets $784.2 $653.8
A V O N 2009 F-13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The valuation allowance primarily represents amounts for foreign
tax loss carryforwards. The basis used for recognition of deferred
tax assets included the profitability of the operations, related
deferred tax liabilities and the likelihood of utilizing tax credit
carryforwards during the carryover periods. The net increase in
the valuation allowance of $110.0 during 2009 was mainly due
to several of our foreign entities continuing to incur losses during
2009, thereby increasing the tax loss carryforwards for which a
valuation allowance was provided.
Income before taxes for the years ended December 31 was
as follows:
2009 2008 2007
United States $ (144.1) $ (19.2) $ (31.6)Foreign 1,070.6 1,257.5 827.7
Total $ 926.5 $1,238.3 $796.1
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31
was as follows:
2009 2008 2007
Federal:Current $ (17.5) $ (45.9) $ 23.2Deferred (38.5) (2.6) (37.2)
(56.0) (48.5) (14.0)
Foreign:Current 476.4 469.8 348.2Deferred (121.4) (59.4) (75.8)
355.0 410.4 272.4
State and other:Current 2.1 1.2 3.8Deferred (2.8) (.4) .6
(0.7) .8 4.4
Total $ 298.3 $362.7 $262.8
The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 was
as follows:
2009 2008 2007
Statutory federal rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%State and local taxes, net
of federal tax benefit .2 .2 .4Taxes on foreign income (4.9) (2.8) .5Tax audit settlements,
refunds, and amendedreturns (.7) (4.5) (1.0)
Net change in valuationallowances 3.4 1.2 (2.0)
Other (.8) .2 .1
Effective tax rate 32.2% 29.3% 33.0%
At December 31, 2009, we had foreign tax loss carryforwards of
$1,255.4. The loss carryforwards expiring between 2010 and
2024 are $110.7 and the loss carryforwards which do not expire
are $1,144.7. We also had minimum tax credit carryforwards of
$32.9 which do not expire, capital loss carryforwards of $4.0
that will expire between 2010 and 2013, and foreign tax credit
carryforwards of $144.2 that will expire between 2016 and 2019.
Uncertain Tax PositionsEffective January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions for recog-
nizing and measuring tax positions taken or expected to be
taken in a tax return that affect amounts reported in the finan-
cial statements as required by the Income Taxes Topic of the
Codification. As a result of the implementation, we recognized
an $18.3 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits
including interest and penalties, which was accounted for as a
reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. At
December 31, 2009, we had $113.4 of total gross unrecognized
tax benefits of which approximately $102 would impact the
effective tax rate, if recognized.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecog-
nized tax benefits is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2007 $135.6
Additions based on tax positions related to the
current year 24.2
Additions for tax positions of prior years 5.4
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (3.6)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (2.9)
Reductions due to settlements with tax authorities (4.4)
Balance at December 31, 2007 $154.3
Additions based on tax positions related to the
current year 22.2
Additions for tax positions of prior years 3.9
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (59.0)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (4.2)
Reductions due to settlements with tax authorities (12.9)
Balance at December 31, 2008 104.3
Additions based on tax positions related to the
current year 16.8
Additions for tax positions of prior years 9.7
Reductions for tax positions of prior years (5.8)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (2.9)
Reductions due to settlements with tax authorities (8.7)
Balance at December 31, 2009 $113.4
We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecog-
nized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. We had $25.9
at December 31, 2009, and $22.5 at December 31, 2008, accrued
for interest and penalties, net of tax benefit. We recorded an
expense of $1.6 during 2009, a benefit of $3.2 during 2008 and an
expense of $3.3 during 2007 for interest and penalties, net of taxes.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and
various states and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2009,
the tax years that remained subject to examination by major tax
jurisdiction for our most significant subsidiaries were as follows:
Jurisdiction Open Years
Brazil 2004 – 2009
China 2004 – 2009
Mexico 2004 – 2009
Poland 2004 – 2009
Russia 2007 – 2009
United States 2006 – 2009
We anticipate that it is reasonably possible that the total amount
of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease in the range of $45 to
$55 within the next 12 months due to the closure of tax years by
expiration of the statute of limitations and audit settlements.
NOTE 7. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
We operate globally, with manufacturing and distribution facilities in various locations around the world. We may reduce our exposure to
fluctuations in cash flows associated with changes in interest rates and foreign exchange rates by creating offsetting positions through the
use of derivative financial instruments. Since we use foreign currency-rate sensitive and interest-rate sensitive instruments to hedge a certain
portion of our existing and forecasted transactions, we expect that any gain or loss in value of the hedge instruments generally would be
offset by decreases or increases in the value of the underlying forecasted transactions.
We do not enter into derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives. The
master agreements governing our derivative contracts generally contain standard provisions that could trigger early termination of the con-
tracts in certain circumstances, including if we were to merge with another entity and the creditworthiness of the surviving entity were to be
“materially weaker” than that of Avon prior to the merger.
Derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair values. The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments
outstanding at December 31, 2009:
Asset Liability
Balance SheetClassification Fair Value
Balance SheetClassification Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedges:
Interest-rate swap agreements Other assets $46.7 Other Liabilities $ 2.8
Foreign exchange forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other – Accounts Payable –
Total derivatives designated as hedges $46.7 $ 2.8
Derivatives not designated as hedges:
Interest-rate swap agreements Other assets $ 8.2 Other Liabilities $ 8.2
Foreign exchange forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other 5.1 Accounts Payable 8.0
Total derivatives not designated as hedges $13.3 $16.2
Total derivatives $60.0 $19.0
Accounting Policies
Derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair
values. When we become a party to a derivative instrument, we
designate, for financial reporting purposes, the instrument as a fair
value hedge, a cash flow hedge, a net investment hedge, or a
non-hedge. The accounting for changes in fair value (gains or
losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether we had
designated it and it qualified as part of a hedging relationship and
further, on the type of hedging relationship.
• Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a
fair value hedge, along with the loss or gain on the hedged
asset or liability that is attributable to the hedged risk are
recorded in earnings.
A V O N 2009 F-15
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
• Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a
cash flow hedge are recorded in AOCI to the extent effective
and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods
during which the transaction hedged by that derivative also
affects earnings.
• Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is designated as a
hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation are recorded
in foreign currency translation adjustments within AOCI to the
extent effective as a hedge.
• Changes in the fair value of a derivative not designated as a
hedging instrument are recognized in earnings in other
expense, net on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Realized gains and losses on a derivative are reported on the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows consistent with the
underlying hedged item.
We assess, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing
basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging trans-
actions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or
cash flows of hedged items. Highly effective means that cumu-
lative changes in the fair value of the derivative are between
80% - 125% of the cumulative changes in the fair value of the
hedged item. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s gain or
loss, if any, is recorded in earnings in other expense, net on the
Consolidated Statements of Income. We include the change in
the time value of options in our assessment of hedge effective-
ness. When we determine that a derivative is not highly effective
as a hedge, hedge accounting is discontinued. When it is prob-
able that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, we
discontinue hedge accounting for the affected portion of the
forecasted transaction, and reclassify gains or losses that were
accumulated in AOCI to earnings in other expense, net on the
Consolidated Statements of Income.
Interest Rate RiskOur long-term, fixed-rate borrowings are subject to interest rate
risk. We use interest-rate swap agreements, which effectively
convert the fixed rate on long-term debt to a floating interest
rate, to manage our interest rate exposure. The agreements are
designated as fair value hedges. We held interest-rate swap
agreements that effectively converted approximately 82% at
December 31, 2009, and 50% at December 31, 2008, of our
outstanding long-term, fixed-rate borrowings to a variable inter-
est rate based on LIBOR. Our total exposure to floating interest
rates was approximately 83% at December 31, 2009, and 65%
at December 31, 2008.
We had interest-rate swap agreements designated as fair value
hedges of fixed-rate debt, with notional amounts totaling
$1,875 at December 31, 2009. Unrealized gains were $43.9 at
December 31, 2009, and $83.7 at December 31, 2008. During
2009, we recorded a net loss of $52.4 in interest expense for
these interest-rate swap agreements designated as fair value
hedges. The impact on interest expense of these interest-rate
swap agreements was offset by an equal and offsetting impact
in interest expense on our fixed-rate debt.
At times, we may de-designate the hedging relationship of a
receive-fixed/pay-variable interest-rate swap agreement. In these
cases, we enter into receive-variable/pay-fixed interest-rate swap
agreements that are designed to offset the gain or loss on the
de-designated contract. At December 31, 2009, we had interest-
rate swap agreements that are not designated as hedges with
notional amounts totaling $250. Unrealized gains on these
agreements were $0 at December 31, 2009, and $3.9 at Decem-
ber 31, 2008. During 2009, we recorded a net loss of $3.2 in
other expense, net associated with these undesignated interest-
rate swap agreements.
Long-term debt included net unrealized gains of $27.6 at Decem-
ber 31, 2009, and $80.0 at December 31, 2008, on interest rate
swaps designated as fair value hedges. Long-term debt also
included remaining unamortized gains of $0 at December 31,
2009, and $3.9 at December 31, 2008, resulting from termi-
nated swap agreements and swap agreements no longer desig-
nated as fair value hedges, which are being amortized to interest
expense over the remaining terms of the underlying debt. There
was no hedge ineffectiveness for the years ended December 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007, related to these interest rate swaps.
During 2007, we entered into treasury lock agreements (the
“locks”) with notional amounts totaling $500.0 that expired on
July 31, 2008. The locks were designated as cash flow hedges of
the anticipated interest payments on $250.0 principal amount of
the 2013 Notes and $250.0 principal amount of the 2018 Notes.
The losses on the locks of $38.0 were recorded in AOCI. $19.2
of the losses are being amortized to interest expense over five
years and $18.8 are being amortized over ten years.
During 2005, we entered into treasury lock agreements that we
designated as cash flow hedges and used to hedge exposure to
a possible rise in interest rates prior to the anticipated issuance
of ten- and 30-year bonds. In December 2005, we decided that
a more appropriate strategy was to issue five-year bonds given
our strong cash flow and high level of cash and cash equivalents.
As a result of the change in strategy, in December 2005, we
de-designated the locks as hedges and reclassified the gain of
$2.5 on the locks from AOCI to other expense, net. Upon the
change in strategy in December 2005, we entered into a treasury
lock agreement with a notional amount of $250.0 designated as
a cash flow hedge of the $500.0 principal amount of five-year
notes payable issued in January 2006. The loss on the 2005 lock
agreement of $1.9 was recorded in AOCI and is being amortized
to interest expense over five years.
During 2003, we entered into treasury lock agreements that we
designated as cash flow hedges and used to hedge the exposure
to the possible rise in interest rates prior to the issuance of the
4.625% Notes. The loss of $2.6 was recorded in AOCI and is
being amortized to interest expense over ten years.
AOCI included remaining unamortized losses of $28.8 ($18.7 net
of taxes) at December 31, 2009, and $35.2 ($22.9 net of taxes)
at December 31, 2008, resulting from treasury lock agreements.
Foreign Currency RiskThe primary currencies for which we have net underlying foreign
currency exchange rate exposures are the Argentine peso, Brazilian
real, British pound, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi, Colombian
peso, the euro, Japanese yen, Mexican peso, Philippine peso, Polish
zloty, Russian ruble, Turkish lira, Ukrainian hryvnia and Venezuelan
bolivar. We use foreign exchange forward contracts to manage a
portion of our foreign currency exchange rate exposures. At
December 31, 2009, we had outstanding foreign exchange forward
contracts with notional amounts totaling approximately $285.2 for
the euro, the Hungarian forint, the Peruvian new sol, the Czech
Republic koruna, the Romanian leu, the Canadian dollar, the
Australian dollar, the New Zealand dollar, the Polish zloty and the
British pound.
We use foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge portions
of our forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from
intercompany royalties, and other third-party and intercompany
foreign currency transactions where there is a high probability
that anticipated exposures will materialize. These contracts have
been designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of
the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated
other comprehensive income to the extent effective and reclas-
sified into earnings in the same period or periods during which
the transaction hedged by that derivative also affects earnings.
The ineffective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is
recorded in other expense, net. The ineffective portion of our
cash flow foreign currency derivative instruments and the net
gains or losses reclassified from AOCI to earnings for cash flow
hedges that had been discontinued because the forecasted
transactions were not probable of occurring were not material.
As of December 31, 2009, we expect to reclassify $18.8, net of
taxes, of net losses on derivative instruments designated as cash
flow hedges from AOCI to earnings during the next 12 months
due to (a) foreign currency denominated intercompany royalties,
(b) intercompany loan settlements and (c) foreign currency
denominated purchases or receipts.
For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, cash flow
hedges impacted AOCI as follows:
2009 2008
Net derivative losses at beginning of year,
net of taxes of $14.8 and $9.7 $(27.2) $(17.7)
Net gains on derivative instruments,
net of taxes of $2.4 and $8.4 31.0 20.3
Reclassification of net gains to earnings,
net of taxes of $7.1 and $3.3 (22.6) (29.8)
Net derivative losses at end of year,
net of taxes of $10.1 and $14.8 $(18.8) $(27.2)
We also use foreign exchange forward contracts to manage for-
eign currency exposure of intercompany loans. These contracts
are not designated as hedges for financial reporting purposes.
The change in fair value of these contracts is immediately recog-
nized in earnings and substantially offsets the foreign currency
impact recognized in earnings relating to the intercompany
loans. During 2009, we recorded a gain of $8.3 in other
expense, net related to these undesignated foreign exchange
forward contracts. Also during 2009, we recorded a loss of $2.9
related to the intercompany loans, caused by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates.
We have used foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign
currency-denominated debt to hedge the foreign currency
exposure related to the net assets of a foreign subsidiary. A loss
of $1.6 on the foreign currency-denominated debt was effective
as a hedge of the net assets of the foreign subsidiary and was
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. During
2009, we had a Japanese yen-denominated note payable to
hedge our net investment in our Japanese subsidiary. This debt
was repaid in 2009. $23.8 for 2009, $33.6 for 2008 and $9.7
for 2007, related to the effective portions of these hedges were
included in foreign currency translation adjustments within AOCI
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During 2009, the ineffec-
tive portion of the loss was $.3 on the foreign currency-denom-
inated debt and was recorded in other expense, net.
Credit and Market RiskWe attempt to minimize our credit exposure to counterparties by
entering into interest rate swap and foreign currency forward
rate and option agreements only with major international finan-
cial institutions with “A” or higher credit ratings as issued by
Standard & Poor’s Corporation. Our foreign currency and inter-
est rate derivatives are comprised of over-the-counter forward
contracts, swaps or options with major international financial
institutions. Although our theoretical credit risk is the replace-
ment cost at the then estimated fair value of these instruments,
A V O N 2009 F-17
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
we believe that the risk of incurring credit risk losses is remote
and that such losses, if any, would not be material.
Non-performance of the counterparties on the balance of all the
foreign exchange and interest rate agreements would result in a
write-off of $60 at December 31, 2009. In addition, in the event
of non-performance by such counterparties, we would be
exposed to market risk on the underlying items being hedged as
a result of changes in foreign exchange and interest rates.
NOTE 8. Fair Value
Assets and Liabilities Measured at FairValueWe adopted the fair value measurement provisions required by
the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Codi-
fication as of January 1, 2008, with the exception of the applica-
tion to nonfinancial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
on a non-recurring basis, which was adopted as of January 1,
2009, with no impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The adoption of the fair value measurement provisions did not
have a material impact on our fair value measurements. The fair
value measurement provisions define fair value as the price that
would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability
in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at
the measurement date. In addition, the fair value measurement
provisions establish a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes
the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels
as follows:
• Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities.
• Level 2 - Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active mar-
kets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
• Level 3 - Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions.
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for those
assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as
of December 31, 2009:
Level 1 Level 2 Total
Assets:
Available-for-sale securities $1.9 $ – $ 1.9
Interest-rate swap agreements – 54.9 54.9
Foreign exchange forward
contracts – 5.1 5.1
Total $1.9 $60.0 $61.9
Liabilities:
Interest-rate swap agreements $ – $11.0 $11.0
Foreign exchange forward
contracts – 8.0 8.0
Total $ – $19.0 $19.0
The table above excludes our pension and postretirement plan
assets. Refer to Note 11, Employee Benefit Plans, for the fair value
hierarchy for our plan assets. The available-for-sale securities
include securities held in a trust in order to fund future benefit
payments for non-qualified retirement plans (see Note 11,
Employee Benefit Plans). The foreign exchange forward contracts
and interest-rate swap agreements are hedges of either recorded
assets or liabilities or anticipated transactions. The underlying
hedged assets and liabilities or anticipated transactions are not
reflected in the table above.
Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe net asset (liability) amounts recorded in the balance sheet
(carrying amount) and the estimated fair values of financial
instruments at December 31 consisted of the following:
2009 2008
CarryingAmount
FairValue
CarryingAmount
FairValue
Cash and cash
equivalents $1,311.6 $1,311.6 $1,104.7 $1,104.7
Available-for-sale
securities 1.9 1.9 2.3 2.3
Grantor trust cash and
cash equivalents 7.6 7.6 20.1 20.1
Short term
investments 26.8 26.8 40.1 40.1
Debt maturing within
one year 138.1 138.1 1,031.4 1,038.6
Long-term debt, net
of related discount
or premium 2,307.8 2,441.0 1,456.2 1,346.1
Foreign exchange
forward contracts (2.9) (2.9) (10.7) (10.7)
Interest-rate swap
agreements 43.9 43.9 87.6 87.6
The methods and assumptions used to estimate fair value are
as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents, Grantor trust cash and cash equivalents
and Short term investments – Given the short term nature of these
financial instruments, the stated cost approximates fair value.
Available-for-sale securities – The fair values of these investments
were based on the quoted market prices for issues listed on
securities exchanges.
Debt maturing within one year and long-term debt – The fair
values of all debt and other financing were determined based on
quoted market prices.
Foreign exchange forward contracts – The fair values of forward
contracts were based on quoted forward foreign exchange
prices at the reporting date.
Interest-rate swap agreements – The fair values of interest-rate
swap agreements were estimated based LIBOR yield curves at
the reporting date.
NOTE 9. Share-Based CompensationPlans
The Avon Products, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005
Plan”), which is shareholder approved, provides for several types
of share-based incentive compensation awards including stock
options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted
stock units and performance unit awards. Under the 2005 Plan,
the maximum number of shares that may be awarded is
31,000,000 shares, of which no more than 8,000,000 shares
may be used for restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit
awards. Shares issued under share-based awards will be primarily
funded with issuance of new shares.
We have issued stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock
units and stock appreciation rights under the 2005 Plan. Stock
option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the
closing market price of our stock at the date of grant; those
option awards generally vest in thirds over the three-year period
following each option grant date and have ten-year contractual
terms. Restricted stock or restricted stock units generally vest
after three years.
For the years ended December 31:
2009 2008 2007
Compensation cost for stock options,
restricted stock, restricted stock
units, and stock appreciation rights $54.9 $54.8 $61.6
Total income tax benefit recognized
for share-based arrangements 18.5 18.8 20.7
All of the compensation cost for stock options, restricted stock,
restricted stock units, and stock appreciation rights for 2009,
2008, and 2007 was recorded in selling, general and admin-
istrative expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2009 and
2008, we have determined that we have a pool of windfall tax
benefits.
Stock OptionsThe fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of
grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with
the following weighted-average assumptions for options granted
during the years ended December 31:
2009 2008 2007
Risk-free rate(1) 1.6% 2.3% 4.5%
Expected term(2) 4 years 4 years 4 years
Expected volatility(3) 35% 28% 27%
Expected dividends(4) 4.0% 2.0% 2.1%
(1) The risk-free rate was based upon the rate on a zero coupon U.S.Treasury bill, for periods within the contractual life of the option, ineffect at the time of grant.
(2) The expected term of the option was based on historical employeeexercise behavior, the vesting terms of the respective option and acontractual life of ten years.
(3) Expected volatility was based on the weekly historical volatility of ourstock price, over a period similar to the expected life of the option.
(4) Assumed the current cash dividends of $.21 during 2009, $.20 during2008 and $.185 during 2007 per share each quarter on our commonstock for options granted during those years.
The weighted-average grant-date fair values per share of options
granted were $3.18 during 2009, $8.04 during 2008 and $8.41
during 2007.
A V O N 2009 F-19
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A summary of stock options as of December 31, 2009, and changes during 2009, is as follows:
Shares(in 000’s)
Weighted-AverageExercise
Price
Weighted-Average
ContractualTerm
AggregateIntrinsic
Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2009 23,261 $34.85
Granted 6,988 15.61
Exercised (563) 23.34
Forfeited (364) 23.95
Expired (838) 32.78
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 28,484 $30.56 6.2 $137.6
Exercisable at December 31, 2009 18,071 $34.57 4.7 $ 30.0
At December 31, 2009, there was approximately $19.0 of unrecog-
nized compensation cost related to stock options outstanding.
That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average
period of 1.3 years. We recognize expense on stock options using
a graded vesting method, which recognizes the associated
expense based on the timing of option vesting dates.
Cash proceeds, tax benefits, and intrinsic value related to total stock
options exercised during 2009, 2008 and 2007, were as follows:
2009 2008 2007
Cash proceeds from stock
options exercised $13.1 $81.4 $85.5
Tax benefit realized for stock
options exercised .9 12.2 16.8
Intrinsic value of stock
options exercised 5.0 41.5 50.5
Restricted Stock and Restricted StockUnitsThe fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units granted
was determined based on the closing price of our common stock
on the date of grant.
A summary of restricted stock and restricted stock units at
December 31, 2009, and changes during 2009, is as follows:
RestrictedStock
And Units(in 000’s)
Weighted-Average
Grant-DateFair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2009 2,854 $35.75Granted 1,726 18.43Vested (979) 30.94Forfeited (164) 26.39
Nonvested at December 31, 2009 3,437 $29.68
The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units that
vested during 2009 was $18.1, based upon market prices on the
vesting dates. As of December 31, 2009, there was approximately
$31.7 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted
stock and restricted stock unit compensation arrangements. That
cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period
of 1.8 years.
NOTE 10. Shareholders’ Equity
Stock Repurchase ProgramIn February 2005, our Board approved a five-year, $1,000.0 share
repurchase program to begin upon completion of our previous
share repurchase program. This $1,000.0 program was completed
during December 2007. In October 2007, our Board of Directors
approved a five-year $2,000.0 share repurchase program (“$2.0
billion program”) which began in December 2007. We have repur-
chased approximately 4.8 million shares for $180.2 under the $2.0
billion program through December 31, 2009.
NOTE 11. Employee Benefit Plans
Savings PlanWe offer a qualified defined contribution plan for U.S.-based
employees, the Avon Personal Savings Account Plan (the “PSA”),
which allows eligible participants to contribute up to 25% of
eligible compensation through payroll deductions. We match
employee contributions dollar for dollar up to the first 3% of
eligible compensation and fifty cents for each dollar contributed
from 4% to 6% of eligible compensation. We made matching
contributions in cash to the PSA of $12.1 in 2009, $13.0 in 2008
and $12.8 in 2007, which were then used by the PSA to pur-
chase our shares in the open market.
Defined Benefit Pension andPostretirement PlansAvon and certain subsidiaries have contributory and noncontrib-
utory retirement plans for substantially all employees of those
subsidiaries. Benefits under these plans are generally based on
an employee’s years of service and average compensation near
retirement. Plans are funded based on legal requirements and
cash flow.
We provide health care and life insurance benefits for the major-
ity of employees who retire under our retirement plans in the
U.S. and certain foreign countries. In the U.S., the cost of such
health care benefits is shared by us and our retirees for employ-
ees hired on or before January 1, 2005. Employees hired after
January 1, 2005, will pay the full cost of the health care benefits
upon retirement. In August 2009, we announced changes to our
postretirement medical and life insurance benefits offered to
U.S. retirees. The changes to the retiree medical benefits reduced
the plan’s obligations by $36.3. This amount is being amortized
as a negative prior service cost over the average future service of
active participants which is approximately 12 years. The changes
to the retiree life insurance benefits reduced the plan’s obliga-
tions by $27.7. This amount is being amortized as a negative
prior service cost over 3.3 years, which is the remaining term of
the plan.
We are required, among other things, to recognize the funded
status of pension and other postretirement benefit plans on the
balance sheet. Each overfunded plan is recognized as an asset
and each underfunded plan is recognized as a liability. The
recognition of prior service costs or credits and net actuarial
gains or losses, as well as subsequent changes in the funded
status, were recognized as components of accumulated other
comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.
A V O N 2009 F-21
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded StatusThe following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, plan assets and the funded status of our significant pension and
postretirement plans. We use a December 31 measurement date for all of our employee benefit plans.
Pension PlansPostretirement
BenefitsU.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
Change in Benefit Obligation:Beginning balance $(726.2) $(776.7) $(642.1) $(787.0) $(178.3) $(176.9)
Service cost (11.7) (17.4) (14.1) (16.7) (3.2) (3.3)Interest cost (40.4) (45.4) (39.3) (41.9) (9.9) (10.5)Actuarial gain (loss) (29.1) 10.1 (56.3) 21.8 (12.0) (2.3)Plan participant contributions – – (2.7) (2.5) (8.7) (8.3)Benefits paid 110.1 103.2 44.4 34.0 18.8 20.8Federal subsidy – – – – (1.5) (1.5)Plan amendments 1.3 – (1.6) – 64.0 –Settlements/ curtailments (1.4) – 24.3 13.9 (.6) –Special termination benefits (4.8) – (9.0) – – –Foreign currency changes and other – – (47.9) 136.3 (3.2) 3.7
Ending balance $(702.2) $(726.2) $(744.3) $(642.1) $(134.6) $(178.3)
Change in Plan Assets:Beginning balance $ 449.1 $ 713.3 $ 424.7 $ 671.0 $ 43.7 $ 51.2
Actual return on plan assets 110.7 (175.7) 76.9 (112.6) (4.1) (10.7)Company contributions 20.9 14.7 34.3 40.0 8.6 14.2Special company contribution to fund
termination benefits – – 9.0 – – –Federal subsidy – – – – 1.5 1.5Plan participant contributions – – 2.7 2.5 8.7 8.3Benefits paid (110.1) (103.2) (44.4) (34.0) (18.8) (20.8)Settlements – – (19.9) (13.3) – –Foreign currency changes and other – – 39.5 (128.9) – –
Ending balance $ 470.6 $ 449.1 $ 522.8 $ 424.7 $ 39.6 $ 43.7
Funded Status:Funded status at end of year $(231.6) $(277.1) $(221.5) $(217.4) $ (95.0) $(134.6)
Amount Recognized in Balance Sheet:Other assets $ – $ – $ 2.6 $ 2.2 $ – $ –Accrued compensation (17.0) (18.2) (1.7) (11.6) (3.9) (3.9)Employee benefit plans liability (214.6) (258.9) (222.4) (208.0) (91.1) (130.7)
Net amount recognized $(231.6) $(277.1) $(221.5) $(217.4) $ (95.0) $(134.6)
Pretax Amounts Recognized in AccumulatedOther Comprehensive Loss:Net actuarial loss $ 463.4 $ 531.4 $ 288.8 $ 274.3 $ 58.0 $ 41.5Prior service credit (1.4) (.6) (13.3) (14.6) (87.1) (33.4)Transition obligation – – .4 .4 – –
Total pretax amount recognized $ 462.0 $ 530.8 $ 275.9 $ 260.1 $ (29.1) $ 8.1
Supplemental Information:Accumulated benefit obligation $ 684.0 $ 707.0 $ 702.8 $ 605.5 N/A N/A
Plans with Projected Benefit Obligation inExcess of Plan Assets:Projected benefit obligation $ 702.2 $ 726.2 $ 741.0 $ 639.2 N/A N/AFair value plan assets 470.6 449.1 516.9 419.6 N/A N/A
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligationin Excess of Plan Assets:Projected benefit obligation $ 702.2 $ 726.2 $ 717.8 $ 539.4 N/A N/AAccumulated benefit obligation 684.0 707.0 685.1 522.0 N/A N/AFair value plan assets 470.6 449.1 494.2 332.6 N/A N/A
The U.S. pension plans include funded qualified plans and
unfunded non-qualified plans. As of December 31, 2009, the
U.S. qualified pension plans had benefit obligations of $615.5
and plan assets of $470.6. As of December 31, 2008, the U.S.
qualified pension plans had benefit obligations of $635.6 and
plan assets of $449.1. We believe we have adequate investments
and cash flows to fund the liabilities associated with the
unfunded non-qualified plans.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in OtherComprehensive Income
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Postretirement Benefits
2009 2008 2007 2009 2008 2007 2009 2008 2007
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:Service cost $ 11.7 $ 17.4 $ 25.4 $ 14.1 $ 16.7 $ 19.4 $ 3.2 $ 3.3 $ 3.5
Interest cost 40.4 45.4 47.3 39.3 41.9 38.2 9.9 10.5 10.2
Expected return on plan assets (43.0) (51.7) (53.6) (36.4) (44.3) (39.7) (2.5) (3.3) (2.3)
Amortization of prior service credit (.3) (1.0) (1.9) (.9) (1.4) (1.7) (9.7) (6.0) (6.1)
Amortization of actuarial losses 29.5 28.4 36.0 12.0 10.7 13.9 3.2 .9 1.5
Amortization of transition obligation – – – .1 .1 .1 – – –
Settlements/curtailments 6.0 – 4.4 13.9 1.6 (.7) (.4) – –
Special termination benefits – – .5 – – – – – –
Other – – – .5 .6 (.7) – – –
Net periodic benefit cost $ 44.3 $ 38.5 $ 58.1 $ 42.6 $ 25.9 $ 28.8 $ 3.7 $ 5.4 $ 6.8
Other Changes in Plan Assets and BenefitObligations Recognized in OtherComprehensive Income:
Actuarial (gains) losses $(38.5) $217.4 $(33.7) $ 15.8 $128.1 $(23.5) $ 18.3 $16.2 $(13.5)
Prior service cost (credit) (1.3) – 4.1 1.6 – 1.0 (64.0) – .8
Amortization of prior service credit .3 1.0 1.9 .9 1.4 1.7 9.7 6.0 6.1
Amortization of actuarial losses (29.5) (28.4) (36.0) (12.0) (10.7) (13.9) (3.2) (.9) (1.5)
Amortization of transition obligation – – – (.1) (.1) (.1) – – –
Settlements/curtailments .2 – – (9.2) (2.3) (.8) 1.0 – –
Foreign currency changes – – – 18.8 (31.4) 7.8 1.0 (.8) .3
Total recognized in other comprehensive
income* (68.8) 190.0 (63.7) 15.8 85.0 (27.8) (37.2) 20.5 (7.8)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and
other comprehensive (income) loss $(24.5) $228.5 $ (5.6) $ 58.4 $110.9 $ 1.0 $(33.5) $25.9 $ (1.0)
* Amounts represent the pre-tax effect included within other comprehensive income. The net of tax amounts are included within the Consolidated Statementsof Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that are expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost
during 2010 are as follows:
Pension Benefits PostretirementBenefitsU.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans
Net actuarial loss $39.5 $15.6 $4.2Prior service credit (.3) (1.0) (17.0)Transition obligation – .1 –
A V O N 2009 F-23
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AssumptionsWeighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 were
as follows:
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Postretirement Benefits
2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
Discount rate 5.35% 6.05% 5.85% 6.17% 5.83% 6.23%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00-6.00% 4.00-6.00% 3.44% 3.51% N/A N/A
The discount rate used for determining future pension obliga-
tions for each individual plan is based on a review of long-term
bonds that receive a high-quality rating from a recognized rating
agency. The discount rates for our most significant plans were
based on the internal rate of return for a portfolio of high-quality
bonds with maturities that are consistent with the projected
future benefit payment obligations of each plan. The weighted-
average discount rate for U.S. and non-U.S. plans determined on
this basis has decreased to 5.61% at December 31, 2009, from
6.11% at December 31, 2008.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net benefit cost recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended
December 31 were as follows:
Pension Benefits
U.S. Plans Non-U.S. Plans Postretirement Benefits
2009 2008 2007 2009 2008 2007 2009 2008 2007
Discount rate 6.05% 6.20% 5.90% 6.17% 5.56% 4.93% 6.23% 6.26% 5.90%
Rate of compensation increase 4.00-6.00 4.00-6.00 5.00 3.51 3.10 2.99 N/A N/A N/A
Rate of return on assets 8.00 8.00 8.00 7.18 7.31 6.85 N/A N/A N/A
In determining the long-term rates of return, we consider the
nature of each plan’s investments, an expectation for each plan’s
investment strategies, historical rates of return and current
economic forecasts, among other factors. We evaluate the
expected rate of return on plan assets annually and adjust as
necessary. In determining the net cost for the year ended
December 31, 2009, the assumed rate of return on assets glob-
ally was 7.6%, which represents the weighted-average rate of
return on all plan assets, including the U.S. and non-U.S. plans.
The majority of our pension plan assets relate to the U.S. pension
plan. The assumed rate of return for determining 2009 net costs
for the U.S. plan was 8%.
In addition, the current rate of return assumption for the U.S.
plan was based on an asset allocation of approximately 32% in
corporate and government bonds and mortgage-backed secu-
rities (which are expected to earn approximately 4% to 6% in
the long term) and 68% in equity securities (which are expected
to earn approximately 7% to 10% in the long term). Similar
assessments were performed in determining rates of return on
non-U.S. pension plan assets, to arrive at our weighted-average
rate of return of 7.18% for determining 2009 net cost.
Plan AssetsOur U.S. and non-U.S. funded pension and postretirement plans target and weighted-average asset allocations at December 31, 2009 and
2008, by asset category were as follows:
U.S. Pension Plan Non-U.S. Pension Plans U.S. Postretirement Plan
% of Plan Assets % of Plan Assets % of Plan Assets
Target at Year End Target at Year End Target at Year End
Asset Category 2010 2009 2008 2010 2009 2008 2010 2009 2008
Equity securities 50-60% 63% 65% 55-65% 60% 56% 65% –% –%Debt securities 40-50 37 35 30-40 33 34 35 100 100Other – – – 0-10 7 10 – – –
Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for pension and postretirement assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of
December 31, 2009:
U.S. Pension and Postretirement Plans
Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Total
Equity Securities:Domestic equity $175.9 $ – $175.9International equity 44.2 41.8 86.0Emerging markets 35.4 – 35.4
255.5 41.8 297.3Fixed Income Securities:
Corporate bonds – 139.1 139.1Government securities – 27.9 27.9Mutual funds 43.5 – 43.5
43.5 167.0 210.5Cash 2.4 – 2.4
Total $301.4 $208.8 $510.2
Non-U.S. Pension Plans
Asset Category Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Equity Securities:Domestic equity $101.2 $ – $ – $101.2International equity 212.7 – – 212.7
313.9 – – 313.9Fixed Income Securities:
Corporate bonds – 69.1 – 69.1Government securities – 95.1 – 95.1Other – 9.9 – 9.9
– 174.1 – 174.1Other:
Cash 20.6 – – 20.6Real estate – – 13.0 13.0Other – – 1.2 1.2
20.6 – 14.2 34.8
Total $334.5 $174.1 $14.2 $522.8
A V O N 2009 F-25
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for our
Level 3 investments was as follows:
Amount
Balance as of January 1, 2009 $14.9
Actual return on plan assets held (1.0)
Foreign currency changes .3
Balance as of December 31, 2009 $14.2
Investments in equity securities classified as Level 1 in the fair
value hierarchy are valued at quoted market prices. Investments in
equity securities classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy are
valued at quoted market prices for non-active securities. Fixed
income securities are based on broker quotes for non-active
securities. Mutual funds are valued at quoted market prices. Real
estate is valued by reference to investment and letting transact-
ions at similar types of property and are supplemented by third
party surveyors.
The overall objective of our U.S. pension plan is to provide the
means to pay benefits to participants and their beneficiaries in
the amounts and at the times called for by the plan. This is
expected to be achieved through the investment of our contri-
butions and other trust assets and by utilizing investment policies
designed to achieve adequate funding over a reasonable period
of time.
Pension trust assets are invested so as to achieve a return on
investment, based on levels of liquidity and investment risk that
is prudent and reasonable as circumstances change from time to
time. While we recognize the importance of the preservation of
capital, we also adhere to the theory of capital market pricing
which maintains that varying degrees of investment risk should
be rewarded with compensating returns. Consequently, prudent
risk-taking is justifiable.
The asset allocation decision includes consideration of the non-
investment aspects of the Avon Products, Inc. Personal Retire-
ment Account Plan, including future retirements, lump-sum elec-
tions, growth in the number of participants, company contri-
butions, and cash flow. These actual characteristics of the plan
place certain demands upon the level, risk, and required growth
of trust assets. We regularly conduct analyses of the plan’s cur-
rent and likely future financial status by forecasting assets, liabili-
ties, benefits and company contributions over time. In so doing,
the impact of alternative investment policies upon the plan’s
financial status is measured and an asset mix which balances
asset returns and risk is selected.
Our decision with regard to asset mix is reviewed periodically.
Asset mix guidelines include target allocations and permissible
ranges for each asset category. Assets are monitored on an
ongoing basis and rebalanced as required to maintain an asset
mix within the permissible ranges. The guidelines will change
from time to time, based on an ongoing evaluation of the plan’s
tolerance of investment risk.
Cash flowsWe expect to make contributions in the range of $15 to $20 to
our U.S. pension and postretirement plans and in the range of
$30 to $40 to our international pension and postretirement
plans during 2010.
Total benefit payments expected to be paid from the plans are
as follows:
Pension Benefits
U.S.Plans
Non-U.S.Plans Total
PostretirementBenefits
2010 $ 69.3 $ 39.4 $108.7 $11.4
2011 60.0 40.2 100.2 11.3
2012 83.0 40.8 123.8 11.1
2013 62.8 43.1 105.9 9.7
2014 60.8 43.7 104.5 9.6
2015 – 2019 295.6 237.9 533.5 46.2
Postretirement BenefitsFor 2009, the assumed rate of future increases in the per capita
cost of health care benefits (the health care cost trend rate) was
8.0% for all claims and will gradually decrease each year thereafter
to 5.0% in 2017 and beyond for our U.S. plan. A one-percentage
point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates for all
postretirement plans would have the following effects:
1 PercentagePoint Increase
1 PercentagePoint Decrease
Effect on total of service and
interest cost components $ .3 $(.2)
Effect on postretirement
benefit obligation 2.8 (2.5)
Postemployment BenefitsWe provide postemployment benefits, which include salary con-
tinuation, severance benefits, disability benefits, continuation of
health care benefits and life insurance coverage to eligible former
employees after employment but before retirement. The accrued
cost for postemployment benefits was $67.2 at December 31,
2009 and $74.9 at December 31, 2008, and was included in
employee benefit plans liability.
Supplemental Retirement ProgramsWe offer a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, the Avon
Products, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP”), for
certain key employees. The DCP is an unfunded, unsecured plan
for which obligations are paid to participants out of our general
assets. The DCP allows for the deferral of up to 50% of a partic-
ipant’s base salary, the deferral of up to 100% of incentive
compensation bonuses, and the deferral of contributions that
would have been made to the Avon Personal Savings Account
Plan (the “PSA”) but that are in excess of U.S. Internal Revenue
Code limits on contributions to the PSA. Participants may elect to
have their deferred compensation invested in one or more of
three investment alternatives. Expense associated with the DCP
was $6.6 for 2009, $4.6 for 2008 and $6.8 for 2007. The accrued
liability for the DCP was $90.8 at December 31, 2009 and $94.1
at December 31, 2008 and was included in other liabilities.
We maintain supplemental retirement programs consisting of
the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan of Avon Products,
Inc. (“SERP”) and the Benefit Restoration Pension Plan of Avon
Products, Inc. under which non-qualified supplemental pension
benefits are paid to higher paid employees in addition to
amounts received under our qualified retirement plan, which is
subject to IRS limitations on covered compensation. The annual
cost of these programs has been included in the determination
of the net periodic benefit cost shown previously and amounted
to $7.4 in 2009, $7.9 in 2008 and $9.5 in 2007. The benefit
obligation under these programs was $69.8 at December 31,
2009, and $73.1 at December 31, 2008 and was included in
employee benefit plans.
We also maintain a Supplemental Life Plan (“SLIP”) under which
additional death benefits ranging from $.4 to $2.0 are provided
to certain active and retired officers. The SLIP will not be offered
to new officers after 2009.
We established a grantor trust to provide assets that may be
used for the benefits payable under the SERP and SLIP. The trust
is irrevocable and, although subject to creditors’ claims, assets
contributed to the trust can only be used to pay such benefits
with certain exceptions. The assets held in the trust are included
in other assets and at December 31 consisted of the following:
2009 2008
Fixed-income portfolio $ .2 $ .9
Corporate-owned life insurance policies 42.3 40.2
Cash and cash equivalents 7.6 20.1
Total $50.1 $61.2
The assets are recorded at fair market value, except for investments
in corporate-owned life insurance policies which are recorded at
their cash surrender values as of each balance sheet date. Changes
in the cash surrender value during the period are recorded as a
gain or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The fixed-income portfolio held in the grantor trust is classified
as available-for-sale securities.
NOTE 12. Segment Information
Our operating segments, which are our reportable segments, are
based on geographic operations and include commercial busi-
ness units in Latin America; North America; Central & Eastern
Europe; Western Europe, Middle East & Africa; Asia Pacific; and
China. Global expenses include, among other things, costs
related to our executive and administrative offices, information
technology, research and development, and marketing. We allocate
certain planned global expenses to our business segments primarily
based on planned revenue. The unallocated costs remain as
global expenses. We do not allocate to our segments income
taxes, foreign exchange gains or losses, or costs of implementing
restructuring initiatives related to our global functions. Costs of
implementing restructuring initiatives related to a specific segment
are recorded within that segment. In Europe, our manufacturing
facilities primarily support Western Europe, Middle East & Africa
and Central & Eastern Europe. In our disclosures of total assets,
capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization, we have
allocated amounts associated with the European manufacturing
facilities between Western Europe, Middle East & Africa and
Central & Eastern Europe based upon planned beauty unit volume.
A similar allocation is done in Asia where our manufacturing
facilities primarily support Asia Pacific and China.
The segments have similar business characteristics and each
offers similar products through similar customer access methods.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those
described in Note 1, Description of the Business and Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies. We evaluate the performance of
our segments based on revenues and operating profits or losses.
Segment revenues reflect direct sales of products to Representa-
tives based on the Representative’s geographic location. Inter-
segment sales and transfers are not significant. Each segment
records direct expenses related to its employees and its operations.
A V O N 2009 F-27
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments as of December 31 is shown in the following tables.
Total Revenue & Operating Profit
2009 2008 2007
TotalRevenue
OperatingProfit (Loss)
TotalRevenue
OperatingProfit (Loss)
TotalRevenue
OperatingProfit (Loss)
Latin America $ 4,103.2 $ 647.9 $ 3,884.1 $ 690.3 $3,298.9 $ 483.1
North America 2,262.7 110.4 2,492.7 213.9 2,622.1 213.1
Central & Eastern Europe 1,500.1 244.9 1,719.5 346.2 1,577.8 296.1
Western Europe, Middle East & Africa 1,277.8 84.2 1,351.7 121.0 1,308.6 33.9
Asia Pacific 885.6 74.2 891.2 102.4 850.8 64.3
China 353.4 20.1 350.9 17.7 280.5 2.0
Total from operations 10,382.8 1,181.7 10,690.1 1,491.5 9,938.7 1,092.5
Global and other – (163.5) – (152.2) – (219.8)
Total $10,382.8 $1,018.2 $10,690.1 $1,339.3 $9,938.7 $ 872.7
Total Assets
2009 2008 2007
Latin America $2,414.9 $1,640.7 $1,597.9
North America 831.5 899.0 789.1
Central & Eastern Europe 819.5 749.3 948.9
Western Europe, Middle
East & Africa 654.9 565.3 613.4
Asia Pacific 434.1 396.3 426.8
China 306.7 316.8 284.2
Total from operations 5,461.6 4,567.4 4,660.3
Global and other 1,371.1 1,506.6 1,055.9
Total assets $6,832.7 $6,074.0 $5,716.2
Capital Expenditures
2009 2008 2007
Latin America $160.6 $116.0 $ 90.1
North America 39.3 111.9 77.9
Central & Eastern Europe 29.3 42.2 29.6
Western Europe, Middle
East & Africa 33.9 41.6 31.2
Asia Pacific 8.4 24.8 16.6
China 7.9 13.2 9.7
Total from operations 279.4 349.7 255.1
Global and other 17.5 30.8 23.4
Total capital expenditures $296.9 $380.5 $278.5
Depreciation and Amortization
2009 2008 2007
Latin America $ 53.2 $ 55.5 $ 49.6
North America 43.2 37.6 35.0
Central & Eastern Europe 19.8 25.8 19.7
Western Europe, Middle
East & Africa 28.0 31.8 26.4
Asia Pacific 11.6 13.3 16.0
China 8.2 5.9 5.8
Total from operations 164.0 169.9 152.5
Global and other 16.7 17.3 19.6
Total depreciation and
amortization $180.7 $187.2 $172.1
Total Revenue by Major Country
2009 2008 2007
U.S. $ 1,864.4 $ 2,061.8 $2,194.9
Brazil 1,817.1 1,674.3 1,352.0
All other 6,701.3 6,954.0 6,391.8
Total $10,382.8 $10,690.1 $9,938.7
A major country is defined as one with total revenues greater
than 10% of consolidated total revenues.
Long-Lived Assets by Major Country
2009 2008 2007
U.S. $ 582.0 $ 649.3 $ 465.5
Brazil 331.4 187.1 197.7
All other 1,115.2 1,032.7 1,066.9
Total $2,028.6 $1,869.1 $1,730.1
A major country is defined as one with long-lived assets greater
than 10% of consolidated long-lived assets. Long-lived assets
primarily include property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets. The U.S. and Brazil’s long-lived assets consist primarily of
property, plant and equipment related to manufacturing and
distribution facilities.
Revenue by Product Category
2009 2008 2007
Beauty(1) $ 7,408.4 $ 7,603.7 $6,932.5Fashion(2) 1,768.0 1,863.3 1,753.2Home(3) 1,108.3 1,121.9 1,159.5
Net sales 10,284.7 10,588.9 9,845.2Other revenue(4) 98.1 101.2 93.5
Total revenue $10,382.8 $10,690.1 $9,938.7
(1) Beauty includes color cosmetics, fragrances, skin care and personal care.
(2) Fashion includes fashion jewelry, watches, apparel, footwear andaccessories.
(3) Home includes gift and decorative products, housewares, entertainmentand leisure products and children’s and nutritional products.
(4) Other revenue primarily includes shipping and handling fees billed toRepresentatives.
Sales from Health and Wellness products and mark. are included
among these categories based on product type.
NOTE 13. Leases and Commitments
Minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating
leases, primarily for equipment and office facilities at Decem-
ber 31, 2009, are included in the following table under leases.
Purchase obligations include commitments to purchase paper,
inventory and other services.
Year LeasesPurchase
Obligations
2010 $ 96.6 $163.52011 68.3 70.02012 51.6 59.02013 26.3 38.32014 19.1 34.8Later years 43.7 17.5Sublease rental income (27.3) –
Total $278.3 $383.1
Rent expense was $116.1 in 2009, $120.4 in 2008, and $118.5
in 2007. Plant construction, expansion and modernization projects
with an estimated cost to complete of approximately $489.8
were in progress at December 31, 2009.
NOTE 14. Restructuring Initiatives
2005 Restructuring ProgramIn November 2005, we announced a multi-year turnaround plan
to restore sustainable growth. As part of our turnaround plan,
we launched a restructuring program in late 2005 (the “2005
Restructuring Program”). Restructuring initiatives under this
program include:
• enhancement of organizational effectiveness, including efforts
to flatten the organization and bring senior management
closer to consumers through a substantial organization
downsizing;
• implementation of a global manufacturing strategy through
facilities realignment;
• implementation of additional supply chain efficiencies in
distribution; and
• streamlining of transactional and other services through out-
sourcing and moves to low-cost countries.
We have approved and announced all of the initiatives that are
part of our 2005 Restructuring Program. We expect to record
total restructuring charges and other costs to implement restruc-
turing initiatives of approximately $530 before taxes. Through
December 31, 2009, we have recorded total costs to implement,
net of adjustments, of $524.3 ($20.1 in 2009, $60.6 in 2008,
$158.3 in 2007, $228.8 in 2006 and $56.5 in 2005) for actions
associated with our restructuring initiatives.
A V O N 2009 F-29
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Restructuring Charges – 2007During 2007 and January 2008, exit and disposal activities that
are a part of our 2005 Restructuring Program were approved.
Specific actions for this phase of our multi-year restructuring
plan included:
• the reorganization of certain functions, primarily sales-related
organizations;
• the restructure of certain international direct-selling operations;
• the realignment of certain of our distribution and manufacturing
operations, including the realignment of certain of our Latin
America distribution operations;
• automation of certain distribution processes; and
• outsourcing of certain finance, customer service, and
information technology processes.
The outsourcing of some information technology processes and
the realignment of some Latin America distribution operations
are expected to be completed by the end of 2011. All other
actions described above were completed by the end of 2009.
During 2007, we recorded total costs to implement in 2007 of
$158.3 associated with our 2005 Restructuring Program, and the
costs consisted of the following:
• charges of $118.0 for employee-related costs, including
severance, pension and other termination benefits;
• favorable adjustments of $8.0, primarily relating to certain
employees pursuing reassignments to other positions and
higher than expected turnover (employees leaving prior to
termination); and
• other costs to implement of $48.3 for professional service fees
associated with our initiatives to outsource certain human
resource, finance, customer service, and information technology
processes and accelerated depreciation associated with our
initiatives to realign certain distribution operations and close
certain manufacturing operations.
Of the total costs to implement, $157.3 was recorded in selling,
general and administrative expenses and $1.0 was recorded in
cost of sales in 2007.
Approximately 95% of these charges are expected to result in
future cash expenditures, with a majority of the cash payments
made during 2009.
Restructuring Charges – 2008During 2008, we recorded total costs to implement $60.6
associated with previously approved initiatives that are part of
our 2005 Restructuring Program, and the costs consisted of the
following:
• net charges of $19.1 primarily for employee-related costs,
including severance and pension benefits;
• implementation costs of $30.5 for professional service fees,
primarily associated with our initiatives to outsource certain
finance and human resource processes; and
• accelerated depreciation of $11.0 associated with our initiatives
to realign some distribution operations and close some
manufacturing operations.
Of the total costs to implement, $57.5 was recorded in selling,
general and administrative expenses and $3.1 was recorded in
cost of sales for 2008.
Restructuring Charges – 2009During 2009, we recorded total costs to implement of $20.1
associated with previously approved initiatives that are part of
our 2005 Restructuring Program, and the costs consisted of
the following:
• net charges of $4.7 primarily for employee-related costs,
including severance and pension benefits;
• implementation costs of $9.6 for professional service fees,
primarily associated with our initiatives to outsource certain
finance processes and realign certain distribution operations;
and
• accelerated depreciation of $5.8 associated with our initiatives
to realign some distribution operations.
Of the total costs to implement, $19.8 was recorded in selling,
general and administrative expenses and $.3 was recorded in
cost of sales for 2009.
The liability balances for the initiatives under the 2005 Restructuring Program are shown below.
Employee-Related
CostsAsset
Write-offsInventory
Write-offs
ContractTerminations/
Other Total
Balance December 31, 2006 $ 84.9 $ – $ – $ 1.1 $ 86.0
2007 Charges 117.0 .2 – .8 118.0
Adjustments (8.0) – – – (8.0)
Cash payments (47.6) – – (1.1) (48.7)
Non-cash write-offs (4.9) (.2) – – (5.1)
Foreign exchange 1.8 – – (.1) 1.7
Balance December 31, 2007 $143.2 $ – $ – $ .7 $143.9
2008 Charges 20.5 – – .8 21.3
Adjustments (3.1) – – .9 (2.2)
Cash payments (60.7) – – (2.1) (62.8)
Non-cash write-offs 1.0 – – – 1.0
Foreign exchange (7.3) – – – (7.3)
Balance December 31, 2008 $ 93.6 $ – $ – $ .3 $ 93.9
2009 Charges 16.8 – – – 16.8
Adjustments (11.9) – (.2) – (12.1)
Cash payments (43.5) – – (.2) (43.7)
Non-cash write-offs (13.9) – – – (13.9)
Foreign exchange 1.8 – – – 1.8
Balance December 31, 2009 $ 42.9 $ – $(.2) $ .1 $ 42.8
Non-cash write-offs associated with employee-related costs are the result of settlement, curtailment and special termination benefit charges
for pension plans and postretirement due to the initiatives implemented. Inventory write-offs relate to exited businesses.
The following table presents the restructuring charges incurred to date, net of adjustments, under our 2005 Restructuring Program, along
with the charges expected to be incurred under the plan:
Employee-Related
CostsAsset
Write-offsInventory
Write-offs
CurrencyTranslationAdjustment
Write-offs
ContractTerminations/
Other Total
Charges incurred to date $349.4 $10.8 $7.2 $11.6 $8.6 $387.6
Charges to be incurred on approved initiatives 5.4 – – – – 5.4
Total expected charges on approved initiatives $354.8 $10.8 $7.2 $11.6 $8.6 $393.0
A V O N 2009 F-31
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The charges, net of adjustments, of initiatives approved to date under the 2005 Restructuring Program by reportable business segment were
as follows:
LatinAmerica
NorthAmerica
Central &EasternEurope
WesternEurope,
Middle East& Africa
AsiaPacific China Corporate Total
2005 $ 3.5 $ 6.9 $ 1.0 $ 11.7 $18.2 $4.2 $ 6.1 $ 51.6
2006 34.6 61.8 6.9 45.1 22.2 2.1 29.5 202.2
2007 14.9 7.0 4.7 65.1 4.3 1.3 12.7 110.0
2008 1.9 (1.1) 1.7 19.0 .6 – (3.0) 19.1
2009 1.4 (.1) (.7) (4.4) 11.6 (.2) (2.9) 4.7
Charges recorded to date $56.3 $74.5 $13.6 $136.5 $56.9 $7.4 $42.4 $387.6
Charges to be incurred on approved initiatives 4.8 .6 – – – – – 5.4
Total expected charges on approved initiatives $61.1 $75.1 $13.6 $136.5 $56.9 $7.4 $42.4 $393.0
As noted previously, we expect to record total costs to implement
of approximately $530 before taxes for all restructuring initiatives
under the 2005 Restructuring Program, including restructuring
charges and other costs to implement. The amounts shown in the
tables above as charges recorded to date relate to initiatives that
have been approved and recorded in the financial statements as
the costs are probable and estimable. The amounts shown in the
tables above as total expected charges on approved initiatives
represent charges recorded to date plus charges yet to be recorded
for approved initiatives as the relevant accounting criteria for
recording an expense have not yet been met. In addition to the
charges included in the tables above, we will incur other costs to
implement restructuring initiatives such as consulting, other
professional services, and accelerated depreciation.
2009 Restructuring ProgramIn February 2009, we announced a new restructuring program
(the “2009 Restructuring Program”) which targets increasing
levels of efficiency and organizational effectiveness across our
global operations. The 2009 Restructuring Program initiatives are
expected to include:
• restructuring our global supply chain operations;
• realigning certain local business support functions to a more
regional basis to drive increased efficiencies; and
• streamlining transaction-related services, including selective
outsourcing.
We expect to record total restructuring charges and other costs
to implement restructuring initiatives in the range of $300 to
$400 before taxes under the 2009 Restructuring Program, with
actions to be completed by 2012-2013.
Restructuring Charges – 2009During 2009, we recorded total costs to implement of $151.3
associated with approved initiatives that are part of our 2009
Restructuring Program, and the costs consisted of the following:
• net charges of $126.0 primarily for employee-related costs,
including severance and pension benefits;
• implementation costs of $18.9 for professional service fees,
primarily associated with our initiatives to realign certain
support functions to a more regional basis and realignment of
certain manufacturing facilities; and
• accelerated depreciation of $6.4 associated with our initiatives
to realign some distribution operations and close some manu-
facturing operations.
Of the total costs to implement, $144.9 was recorded in selling,
general and administrative expenses and $6.4 was recorded in
cost of sales for 2009. Most of these costs to implement are
expected to result in future cash expenditure, with a majority of
the cash payments to be made in 2010 and 2011.
The liability balances for the initiatives under the 2009 Restructuring
Program are shown below.
Employee-Related
Costs
2009 Charges $126.6
Adjustments (.6)
Cash payments (16.3)
Non-cash write-offs (4.0)
Foreign exchange .6
Balance December 31, 2009 $106.3
Non-cash write-offs associated with employee-related costs are the result of settlement, curtailment and special termination benefit charges
for pension plans and postretirement due to the initiatives implemented.
The charges, net of adjustments, of initiatives approved to date under the 2009 Restructuring Program by reportable business segment were
as follows:
LatinAmerica
NorthAmerica
Central &EasternEurope
WesternEurope,
Middle East& Africa
AsiaPacific China Corporate Total
Charges recorded to date $17.8 $26.8 $25.8 $31.8 $6.8 $2.1 $14.9 $126.0
Charges to be incurred on approved initiatives 6.0 2.7 3.6 1.9 1.1 .2 – 15.5
Total expected charges on approved initiatives $23.8 $29.5 $29.4 $33.7 $7.9 $2.3 $14.9 $141.5
As noted previously, we expect to record total costs to
implement in the range of $300 to $400 before taxes for all
restructuring initiatives under the 2009 Restructuring Program,
including restructuring charges and other costs to implement.
The amounts shown in the tables above as charges recorded to
date relate to initiatives that have been approved and recorded
in the financial statements as the costs are probable and
estimable. The amounts shown in the tables above as total
expected charges on approved initiatives represent charges
recorded to date plus charges yet to be recorded for approved
initiatives as the relevant accounting criteria for recording an
expense have not yet been met. In addition to the charges
included in the tables above, we will incur other costs to
implement restructuring initiatives such as consulting, other
professional services, and accelerated depreciation.
NOTE 15. Contingencies
In 2002, 2003 and 2004, our Brazilian subsidiary received a ser-
ies of excise tax assessments from the Brazilian tax authorities for
alleged tax deficiencies during the years 1997-2001 asserting
that the establishment in 1995 of separate manufacturing and
distribution companies in that country was done without a valid
business purpose and that Avon Brazil did not observe minimum
pricing rules to define the taxable basis of excise tax, based on
purported market sales data. The structure adopted in 1995 is
comparable to that used by other companies in Brazil. We believe
that our Brazilian corporate structure is appropriate, both opera-
tionally and legally, and that the assessments are unfounded.
This matter is being vigorously contested and in the opinion of
our outside counsel, the likelihood that the assessments ulti-
mately will be upheld is remote. Management believes that the
likelihood that the assessments will have a material impact on
our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash
flows is correspondingly remote. As of December 31, 2009, the
total assessments related to these remote contingencies, includ-
ing penalties and accruing interest, amounted to approximately
$620 at the exchange rate on December 31, 2009. In the event
that assessments are upheld in the earlier stages of review, it
may be necessary for us to provide security to pursue further
appeals, which, depending on the circumstances, may result in a
charge to income. We are currently awaiting decisions at the first
administrative level for the 2002 assessment and at the second
administrative level for the 2003 and 2004 assessments. It is not
possible to make a reasonable estimate of the amount or range
of expense that could result from an unfavorable outcome in
respect of these or any additional assessments that may be
issued for subsequent periods.
As previously reported, we have engaged outside counsel to
conduct an internal investigation and compliance reviews
focused on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
and related U.S. and foreign laws in China and additional coun-
tries. The internal investigation and compliance reviews, which
are being conducted under the oversight of our Audit Commit-
tee, began in June 2008. We voluntarily contacted the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission and the United
States Department of Justice to advise both agencies of our
internal investigation and compliance reviews and we are, as we
have done from the beginning of the internal investigation, con-
tinuing to cooperate with both agencies and have signed tolling
agreements with them.
The internal investigation and compliance reviews, which started
in China, are focused on reviewing certain expenses and books
and records processes, including, but not limited to, travel,
entertainment, gifts, and payments to third-party agents and
others, in connection with our business dealings, directly or
indirectly, with foreign governments and their employees. The
internal investigation and compliance reviews of these matters
are ongoing. At this point we are unable to predict the duration,
scope or results of the internal investigation and compliance reviews.
A V O N 2009 F-33
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Various other lawsuits and claims, arising in the ordinary course of
business or related to businesses previously sold, are pending or
threatened against Avon. In management’s opinion, based on its
review of the information available at this time, the total cost of
resolving such other contingencies at December 31, 2009, should
not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
NOTE 16. Goodwill and IntangibleAssets
On April 2, 2007, we acquired our licensee in Egypt for approx-
imately $17 in cash. The acquired business is being operated by a
new wholly-owned subsidiary and is included in our Western
Europe, Middle East & Africa operating segment. The purchase
price allocation resulted in goodwill of $9.3 and customer relation-
ships of $1.0 with a seven-year useful life.
In August 2006, we purchased all of the remaining 6.155% out-
standing shares in our two joint-venture subsidiaries in China from
the minority interest shareholders for approximately $39.1. We
previously owned 93.845% of these subsidiaries and consolidated
their results, while recording minority interest for the portion not
owned. Upon completion of the transaction, we eliminated the
minority interest in the net assets of these subsidiaries. The pur-
chase of these shares did not have a material impact on our con-
solidated net income. Avon China is a stand-alone operating
segment. The purchase price allocation resulted in goodwill of
$33.3 and customer relationships of $1.9 with a ten-year
weighted-average useful life.
Goodwill
LatinAmerica
WesternEurope,
Middle East& Africa
Central& Eastern
EuropeAsia
Pacific China Total
Balance at December 31, 2008 $94.9 $33.3 $8.8 $12.4 $75.1 $224.5
Adjustments – – – (.4) – (.4)
Foreign exchange – .6 .1 (.1) .1 .7
Balance at December 31, 2009 $94.9 $33.9 $8.9 $11.9 $75.2 $224.8
Intangible assets
2009 2008
GrossAmount
AccumulatedAmortization
GrossAmount
AccumulatedAmortization
Amortized Intangible AssetsCustomer relationships $38.5 $(31.0) $38.4 $(25.6)Licensing agreements 42.3 (37.5) 42.4 (28.3)Noncompete agreements 7.4 (5.9) 7.4 (5.7)
Total $88.2 $(74.4) $88.2 $(59.6)
Aggregate Amortization Expense:
2009 $14.8
2008 16.4
2007 16.4
Estimated Amortization Expense:
2010 $ 2.3
2011 2.3
2012 2.3
2013 2.3
2014 1.6
NOTE 17. Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, prepaid expenses and other
included the following:
Prepaid expenses and other 2009 2008
Deferred tax assets (Note 6) $ 303.2 $194.6
Receivables other than trade 143.3 127.1
Prepaid taxes and tax
refunds receivable 296.9 156.5
Prepaid brochure costs,
paper and other literature 122.8 126.0
Short-term investments 26.8 40.1
Property, plant and equipment
held for sale 8.2 –
Deferred charge 36.9 –
Other 92.4 112.2
Prepaid expenses and other $1,030.5 $756.5
In accordance with accounting guidance issued by the Interna-
tional Practices Task Force, when a subsidiary in Venezuela
purchases U.S. dollar denominated cash at the parallel market
exchange rate, the Venezuelan subsidiary should remeasure the
cash at the parallel market exchange rate. The subsidiary should
translate the cash, as well as the remainder of its net assets, at the
official rate, because this is expected to be the rate that is available
for dividend remittances. Since the remeasurement and translation
occur at different exchange rates, a difference arises between the
actual U.S. dollar denominated cash balance and the “as trans-
lated” balance. The deferred charge in the table above represents
this difference for the U.S. Dollar denominated cash held by our
Venezuelan subsidiary.
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, other assets included the
following:
Other assets 2009 2008
Deferred tax assets (Note 6) $ 527.3 $ 502.5
Goodwill (Note 16) 224.8 224.5
Intangible assets (Note 16) 13.8 28.6
Investments 49.8 108.9
Deferred software (Note 1) 112.0 98.3
Interest-rate swap agreements
(Note 8) 54.9 103.7
Other 131.2 106.7
Other assets $1,113.8 $1,173.2
In 2009, we redeemed approximately $46 of corporate-owned life
insurance policies that had been recorded in other assets.
A V O N 2009 F-35
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 18. Results of Operations by Quarter (Unaudited)
2009 First Second Third Fourth Year
Total revenue $2,179.8 $2,470.3 $2,551.3 $3,181.4 $10,382.8
Gross profit 1,368.6 1,536.0 1,596.5 1,993.4 6,494.5
Operating profit 168.4 182.9 258.5 408.4 1,018.2
Income before taxes 146.7 159.9 231.7 388.2 926.5
Net income 117.5 84.6 157.6 268.5 628.2
Net income attributable to Avon 117.3 82.9 156.2 269.4 625.8
Earnings per share
Basic $ .27 $ .19 $ .36 $ .63 $ 1.45(1)
Diluted $ .27 $ .19 $ .36 $ .62 $ 1.45(1)
2008 First Second Third Fourth Year
Total revenue $2,501.7 $2,736.1 $2,644.7 $2,807.6 $10,690.1
Gross profit 1,578.0 1,742.7 1,669.7 1,750.6 6,741.0
Operating profit 296.2 373.9 297.1 372.1 1,339.3
Income before taxes 278.6 344.4 279.2 336.1 1,238.3
Net income 186.2 237.0 224.7 227.7 875.6
Net income attributable to Avon 184.7 235.6 222.6 232.4 875.3
Earnings per share
Basic $ .43 $ .55 $ .52 $ .54 $ 2.04(1)
Diluted $ .43 $ .55 $ .52 $ .54 $ 2.03(1)
(1) The sum of per share amounts for the quarters does not necessarily equal that for the year because the computations were made independently.
Results of operations by quarter were impacted by the following:
2009 First Second Third Fourth Year
Costs to implement restructuring initiatives:
Cost of sales $ – $ .3 $ 3.3 $ 3.1 $ 6.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses 14.5 89.1 30.2 30.9 164.7
Total costs to implement restructuring initiatives $14.5 $ 89.4 $33.5 $34.0 $171.4
2008 First Second Third Fourth Year
Costs to implement restructuring initiatives:
Cost of sales $ – $ .3 $ 2.6 $ .2 $ 3.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses 25.5 13.0 11.8 7.2 57.5
Total costs to implement restructuring initiatives $25.5 $ 13.3 $14.4 $ 7.4 $ 60.6
Benefits related to our PLS program $ – $(13.0) $ – $ – $ (13.0)
NOTE 19. Subsequent Events
Management evaluated subsequent events through February 25,
2010, which is the date the financial statements were issued.
Effective January 1, 2010, Avon will treat Venezuela as a highly
inflationary economy for accounting purposes. Effective Jan-
uary 11, 2010, the Venezuelan government devalued its cur-
rency and moved to a two-tier exchange structure. The official
exchange rate moved from 2.15 to 2.60 for essential goods and
to 4.30 for non-essential goods and services. Although no offi-
cial rules have yet been issued, most of Avon’s imports are
expected to fall into the non-essential classification.
On February 9, 2010, we announced an increase in our quarterly
cash dividend to $.22 per share from $.21 per share, beginning
with the first-quarter dividend payable March 1, 2010, to share-
holders of record on February 23, 2010. With this increase, the
indicated annual dividend rate is $.88 per share.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTSYears ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
Additions
(in millions)
Description
Balance atBeginningof Period
Chargedto Costs
andExpenses
Chargedto
Revenue Deductions
Balance atEnd
of Period
2009Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable $102.0 $221.7 – $191.1(1) $132.6
Allowance for sales returns 25.8 – 374.1 367.0(2) 32.9
Allowance for inventory obsolescence 98.2 122.9 – 105.1(3) 116.0
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 284.1 110.0(4) – – 394.1
2008Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable $109.0 $195.5 – $202.5(1) $102.0
Allowance for sales returns 32.1 – 369.3 375.6(2) 25.8
Allowance for inventory obsolescence 216.9 80.8 – 199.5(3) 98.2
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 278.3 5.8(4) – – 284.1
2007Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable $ 91.1 $164.1 $ – $146.2(1) $109.0
Allowance for sales returns 28.0 – 338.1 334.0(2) 32.1
Allowance for inventory obsolescence 125.0 280.6 – 188.7(3) 216.9
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 234.1 62.9(4) – 18.7(5) 278.3
(1) Accounts written off, net of recoveries and foreign currency translation adjustment.
(2) Returned product destroyed and foreign currency translation adjustment.
(3) Obsolete inventory destroyed and foreign currency translation adjustment.
(4) Increase in valuation allowance for tax loss carryforward benefits is because it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not berealized in the future.
(5) Release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized in the future.
A V O N 2009 F-37
Executive Committee
Andrea JungChairman and Chief Executive Offi cer
Charles W. CrambVice Chairman,
Chief Finance and Strategy Offi cer
Charles M. HeringtonExecutive Vice President,
Latin America and Central
& Eastern Europe
Lucien AlziariSenior Vice President,
Human Resources and
Corporate Responsibility
Geralyn R. BreigSenior Vice President,
and President, North America
Jeri B. FinardSenior Vice President,
Global Brand President
Bennett R. GallinaSenior Vice President,
Western Europe, Middle East & Africa
Asia Pacifi c; and China
Nancy GlaserSenior Vice President,
Global Communications
Donagh HerlihySenior Vice President,
Chief Information Offi cer
John P. HigsonSenior Vice President,
Global Direct Selling and
Business Model Innovation
John F. OwenSenior Vice President,
Global Supply Chain
Kim K. W. RuckerSenior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
Michael SchwartzSenior Vice President,
Global Insights and
Marketing Intelligence
Corporate Information
Avon Products, Inc.1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10105
212-282-5000
www.avoncompany.com
Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
300 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Institutional Investor InquiriesPlease call Amy Low Chasen
at (212) 282-5320
or e-mail [email protected]
Individual Investor InquiriesFor questions regarding stock certifi cates or
accounts; dividend checks; or Avon’s dividend
reinvestment program, contact our
Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar at Computershare Trust Company, N.A.P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
(781) 575-2879
www.computershare.com
For other investor questions or document
requests, please visit our website at
www.avoncompany.com; email [email protected]; or call (212) 282-5623
Form 10-KThe company’s 2009 Annual Report
(Form 10-K) can be viewed on the Internet
at www.avoninvestor.com
For information about becoming an Avon Representative or purchasing Avon products, please call 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit www.avon.com
Annual Report design by
Avon Corporate Identity Department
New York, NY
Paper, Cover and Narrative has 10% Post-Consumer waste content,
10 K has 30% Post-Consumer waste content, all FSC Certifi ed and Recyclable.
Process Black 0394_Insert
Board of DirectorsAndrea JungChairman and Chief Executive Offi cer
W. Don CornwellFormer Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer,
Granite Broadcasting Corporation
Edward T. FogartyFormer Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Offi cer, Tambrands, Inc.
V. Ann HaileyFormer Chief Financial Offi cer,
Gilt Groupe, Inc.
Fred HassanFormer Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer,
Schering-Plough Corporation
Maria Elena LagomasinoChief Executive Offi cer,
GenSpring Family Offi ces
Ann S. MooreChairman and Chief Executive Offi cer,
Time Inc.
Paul S. PresslerAdvisory Partner,
Clayton,Dubilier & Rice, Inc.
Gary M. RodkinChief Executive Offi cer,
ConAgra Foods, Inc.
Paula Stern, Ph.D.Chairwoman,
The Stern Group, Inc.
Lawrence A. WeinbachManaging Director,
Yankee Hill Capital Management LLC
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Board CommitteesLead Independent Director
Fred Hassan
Audit Committee
Lawrence A. Weinbach, Chair W. Don CornwellEdward T. Fogarty V. Ann Hailey Paul S. Pressler
Compensation Committee
Maria Elena Lagomasino, Chair Fred HassanAnn S. Moore Gary M. Rodkin
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11
Finance Committee
Paul S. Pressler, Chair W. Don Cornwell Edward T. Fogarty Gary M. Rodkin Paula Stern, Ph.D.
Nominating & Corporate
Governance Committee
Fred Hassan, ChairMaria Elena Lagomasino Ann S. MoorePaula Stern, Ph.D.
0394_Insert
www.avoncompany.com